Figures released by the National Canine Defence League show more than 22,000 stray or abandoned dogs were destroyed in Britain last year.

BBC Scotland's Forbes McFall speaks to the agencies which look after stray dogs

But the study also highlights the Highlands - with 4,200 dogs picked up last year - as the worst area of the whole country for strays.

Other rural areas in Scotland like the Borders also turned in disappointing figures, according to the report.

David Wilson, of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, says that some dogs are very difficult to re-house.

"We cannot pinpoint the reasons why but it is the case that they will stay in the kennels for a long time.

BBC Scotland's Pat Kerr reports

"It is our policy that stray dogs should be humanely put to sleep rather than be keep them in the kennels," said Mr Wilson.

Highlands Council admits its figures on stray dogs is a problem but it says the solution is not an easy one.

The authority's director of environmental health, Tony Fraser, said officers have looked at different solutions.

He said: "We have examined a variety of policies including microchipping but we have not yet actively adopted any of that kind."

Thousands of dogs are put down each year

The UK statistics mark a 10% rise on the previous year's figure and comes as a further blow to the country's reputation as a nation of animal lovers.

The research, commissioned by the league, claims that of the 133,400 stray dogs picked up by local authorities between April 1998 and March this year fewer than half were reclaimed by their owners.

One in five went to rehoming organisations and one in seven were found new homes by local councils - which were praised for introducing ntroducing microchipping schemes, neutering programmes and encouraging responsible dog ownership.

The charity's chief executive Clarissa Baldwin said: "This needless destruction of dogs has got to stop.

"Despite being a minority of the population, irresponsible dog owners are contributing significantly to these death sentences."

Joe Clarke, chairman of the National Dog Warden Association, said: "One of the most difficult and distressing elements of what we do is dealing with the thousands of abandoned dogs that simply cannot find homes.

"It is heartbreaking that so many healthy dogs have to be destroyed."