A survey showing a fall in the number of stray dogs in Yorkshire has been cautiously welcomed by dog wardens.

Local authorities found an estimated 5,893 strays, down 14 per cent on the previous year's figure of 6,975, the MORI survey said.

The number of dogs put to sleep is also down, by around 64 per cent to 471.

The National Canine Defence League (NCDL), said the study showed that more dog owners recognised the importance of neutering and micro-chipping their pets.

Amanda Sands, manager of the NCDL Re-homing Centre in Leeds, said: "We applaud the responsible dog owners in Yorkshire for their attitude to dog ownership and hope they continue with this."

But Bradford Council's Dog Warden Service manager Terry Singh warned against complacency.

"There is still cause for concern, as from April 2001 to March 2002 we received 1,469 complaints and collected 1,012 strays," he said.

Bradford Council was the first local authority in Britain to introduce a voluntary dog registration scheme.

Once registered, dogs get ID tags which help reunite strays with their owners.