There were more than 150 stray dogs on the streets of Ealing last year according to a leading animal charity.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home reported 159 stray dogs in 2008 and now they are appealing to owners to get their pets tagged.
Scott Craddock, Director of Operations at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, said: "Responsible ownership for us means microchipping your pet and making sure that it has an up to date tag so that it can be easily traced back to you.
"We're calling on all pet owners to take more responsibility for their pets - get their pets chipped, find out who to contact in Ealing should their dog go missing, and keep BatterseaÕs Lost Dogs & Cats Line number handy should they lose their dog or cat."
"While boroughs have their own challenges in dealing with stray dogs, such as diverse populations, a higher or lower number of green spaces, or limitations on the number of dog wardens, we are committed to working with all the boroughs to try and reduce the numbers of stray dogs coming into Battersea."
A total of 5,357 stray dogs were taken into the animal home, with Lambeth recording the highest with 340 and the City of London with only seven.
Pets can be chipped for a reduced rate of £15 and owners will need to bring a form of ID with their address on it.
For more information, visit www.battersea.org.uk or call 0901 477 8477 between 8am-8pm (calls cost 60p per minute from BT landlines.)
