According to figures released today it is understood that five unwanted dogs were tragically put down in pounds every day last year.
The alarming and heartbreaking statistics show that councils nationwide were forced to put down 1,824 pets in 2015. Meanwhile figures also revealed that 203 retired greyhounds were also put to sleep last year.
The Department of Environment say the highest pet euthanasia numbers were in Co Wexford where 232 dogs were put down, whilst 204 dogs were put to sleep in Limerick city, and 201 were euthanised in Co Cork.
The appalling figures have led to animal charity groups to call on people who no longer want a pet to find them a suitable home or place them in a recognised dog pound were they can be properly taken care of.