Research carried out by MORI for the NCDL also found 17% of councils now offer a microchipping scheme.

BBC: Charity's stray dog plea

The campaign was first launched 21 years ago by NCDL officials horrified at the number of dogs abandoned in the New Year.

BBC: Christmas fear for puppies

The National Canine Defence League (NCDL) attributed the drop to a greater commitment by councils to find new homes for strays.

BBC: NI has 'most stray dogs'

Launching its annual A Dog is for Life, Not Just for Christmas campaign, the NCDL said its rehoming centres were already running out of places.

BBC: Christmas fear for puppies

Ronnie Milsop, who works for the NCDL in Northern Ireland, said the problem of strays was still not dealt with properly in the province.

BBC: NI has 'most stray dogs'