TWO mid Essex districts top the list for the greatest number of dogs available for adoption.

With an estimated 660,000 dogs being rehomed each year, the numbers are expected to rise, but rescue centres don’t have the capacity to cope with this increase.

As September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month, PuppyHero looked into the UK areas with the most dogs available for adoption using RSPA information.

Maldon and Braintree were the top two local authorities in Essex with the most dogs for adoption.

Maldon had most dogs available per 10,000 people, with 202 dogs listed. The most popular rescue breed is the cockapoo, with 36 available to adopt.

In second place is Braintree, due to its larger population size. It had 302 dogs for adoption, and the French bulldog is the most common breed there, with 24 available.

RSPCA spokesman Amy Ockleford said: "RSPCA rescues and rehomes thousands of dogs across England and Wales every year.

“The dogs we’re most likely to see in our centres are Staffordshire bull terriers, lurchers, Jack Russell terriers, German shepherds and crossbreeds.

 "Sadly, we're seeing lots of animals coming into our care at the moment due to the rising cost of living, with owners having to make heartbreaking decisions to part with their pets as they struggle to pay household bills and feed their families.

“We're also seeing a lot of dogs come to us who have behavioural challenges due to being reared during the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown, which has left many with severe separation anxiety and lacking vital socialisation skills.

 "We'd urge anyone who thinks they can commit to a dog - both time-wise and financially - to please consider taking on a rescue dog.

“Our centres are full of dogs of all shapes, sizes, ages and breeds, all of who are patiently waiting to find their perfect match.

“See all of the dogs in our care on Find A Pet. To help the RSPCA rescue, rehabilitate and rehome more dogs in need during our busy summer months, please support our Cancel Out Cruelty campaign."

All data gathered from puppyhero.com/how-to-choose-the-right-dog-breed.