“Deciding to put a dog to sleep is never taken lightly”, said South Yorkshire Police as it revealed the concerningly high figure of euthanised dogs over a three-year period.

Now this is not a criticism of the police force, one which is doing its best to minimise harmful (and in some cases fatal) instances occurring at all. But, it does raise concerns in many ways.

In just over two years, 1,963 dogs were seized during that time and 714 were returned and 145 were rehomed. But, 1,093 dogs were euthanised. It certainly makes you pause for a moment, doesn’t it?

It certainly does on my part. As a dog-parent (a German Shepherd and a Labrador Retriever), you could say that I love dogs, I do. I often prefer their companionship to humans. Even if they can be a pain in the backside at times, being a dog owner takes work and there are many responsibilities that coincide with ownership.

However that euthanisation figure is bleak, it’s concerning, and it’s a broader indictment of far too many dog owners out there. Simply put, some of you are not cut out for it.

Let me be clear, I am not referring to those who have had to give up your pets because of a change in life circumstances. I am referring to those who actively choose not to put the work in, and that’s a small number of people who need to take a hard look at themselves.

Sure there are reactive dogs, plenty of them, who despite all the training and care in the world can not stop. This is where the owner/handler of that pet does their best to ensure that situations do not occur.

Some dogs simply do not get along with other dogs, or they do not like people. What dogs need is protection, from awful owners and unscrupulous breeders.

Every time I read a story about a dog attack, be it another dog, an adult or a heaven-forbid a child, it upsets me. I can’t help but think that in many cases this could have been avoided. However, accidents can and do happen.

Which brings me back to this far too high figure, 1,093 dogs were euthanised… In some instances it may have been necessary but many could have been avoided had better steps been taken.

From safely enclosing pets, ensuring the correct leash is used, application of a muzzle in some instances, and continual training. Ensuring that you socialise your pets from the outset, correcting bad behaviours, learning trigger points, praising good behaviour, and training yourself each time you bring a pet into your home.

If people cannot or are not willing to put in the work into ensuring their pet is well-cared for, happy and behaved as it can be… maybe don’t get one. It’s not fair on you or whoever lives with you, or whoever you come into contact with and it’s certainly not fair on the dog.