'Generation of broken dogs' How Leeds Dogs Trust is giving canines a second chance

At any one time up to 100 residents call the site at York Road their home while others leave for their new families every day.

It’s a turnstile for the devoted team who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every dog has the chance to find its forever home.

They have already rehomed a staggering 457 dogs so far this year - a figure that is already outpacing last year.

But behind every single statistic is a real story: an owner struggling to find somewhere to rent with a dog, pets that can’t cope and a disturbing number of people who bought puppies on a whim during lockdown.

Coupled with the cost of living crisis, the team at the centre say they are dealing with a “generation of broken dogs”.

It is a relentless cycle of heartbreak and hope - but for every waggy tail that walks out of the door the team say the “bittersweet moment” is a proof that second chances still exist.

Kevin Johnson, one of the team at Dogs Trust Leeds, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “For all the underdogs we have here there are three times as many that have gone to a new home. Every single day there are dogs leaving and dogs arriving.

“We have seen awful situations where people have had to move and they haven’t been able to take their dog with them.”

He also said that financial reasons are one the main challenges facing people forcing them to give up their beloved canine companions.

He said it could be as a result of a number of different factors including rising vet treatments and the Cost of Living crisis.

“The cost of living crisis really is the biggest contributor to the huge spike in relinquishment.

“The pandemic followed by the cost of living crisis was the perfect storm.

“Every one decided during Covid that they wanted a dog but then immediately after people just didn’t have any money and there were dogs bought into the world in lockdown and weren't socialised who are now five and are full of anxiety.”

He also said bad breeding has “resulted in a generation of broken dogs that owners can’t keep.”

Underdog Opie, aged eight, a Collie cross Labrador is just one of those who have called the site home for the last year.

Opie’s owners were forced to give him up after they were expecting a baby and he became reactive to noise and was unable to cope with the change.

He is seeking a quiet home without any disturbances - or dogs - to help settle him into a new life.

With that comes complex training for Opie to prepare him to cope with situations.

Kevin said: “To look at Opie he is such a people friendly dog, loves his food, is really fun and playful.

“But he is so reactive to other dogs and it will be a long haul job to work with that.

“We can’t send him straight home where there are other dogs walking just past the home or next door. He just can’t cope with that.”

And he will be one of many dogs set to spend their Christmas at the rehoming centre - but he will have plenty of treats to look forward to.

The team will prepare a Christmas meal for each dog and a present for them to unwrap. They are also set to go on a big festive walk with their canine carers.

Kevin added: “We want people to know there is a real jot in taking a dog that has had some challenges.

“We show owners training skills and every time an underdog leaves the owners become staff members by proxy as everyone recognises them.

“It’s just a nice experience for people who want to give a dog a real chance.”