The SSPCA has dealt with fewer strays

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) said its 12 shelters are usually crammed full of strays at this time of year, with some owners turning their pets out onto the streets while they jet off on holiday.

But the charity said fewer people travelling abroad this year, partly due to the war in Iraq and increased terrorism activity, has led to far fewer abandonments.

Doreen Graham, spokeswoman for the Scottish SPCA, said 2003 was the quietest she could remember in her seven years with the organisation.

"Usually we are inundated with strays and every year have to launch a massive appeal for help with rehoming," she said.

"But this year has been very quiet, unusally so. We've had a little flurry of strays during June and July but we have been no way near as busy as we usually are at this time of year."

She added: "Tourism figures show that the number of people heading abroad has dropped, and we believe there is a definite link between that and the decrease in abandoned pets coming into our shelters."

There are still thousands of animals languishing in Scotland's shelters

However in terms of unwanted dogs, Dogs Trust, formerly the National Canine Defence League (NCDL), estimates that there are still roughly 12,000 in Scotland.

The organisation, which has one Scottish animal wefare centre in West Lothian, believes irresponsible dog owners who fail to have their pets neutered or microchipped have led to unwanted dog numbers soaring by 180% on last year.

Jennifer Blaber, spokeswoman for Dogs Trust, urged dog owners to take action.

She said: "The best way to prevent stray dogs is for owners to take on the responsibility of neutering - preventing unwanted puppies which are often dumped - and to have their pet microchipped in case it becomes lost.

"If a dog without a microchip is found by the dog wardens, it becomes property of the local council if unclaimed within seven days.