Birmingham is no longer a city of pet owners, with residents preferring to watch DVDs than walk a dog.
The number of catteries and kennels has plummeted in recent years, with just six private premises in the city, compared with 16 three years ago. Pet shops have also been closing across the city, with just 54 licensed premises open compared to 72 in 2002 and 94 in 1994.
Graham Taylor, Animal Welfare officer at Birmingham City Council, said it appeared Birmingham residents were no longer interested in caring for pets.
"The fact that we are losing pet shops reflects the general pet keeping trend we are seeing nationally. Most people are preferring to buy DVDs or play computer games rather than keep animals and this is probably due to a change in lifestyle," he said.
Mr Taylor said a dramatic reduction in kennels also reflected the trend, although tightened planning restrictions and legislation dictating the size of areas where animals are kept may have also determined the decline.
The RSPCA recently published figures showing a steep rise in the number of neglected animals, but Mr Taylor said the pet population in Birmingham had generally declined.
"The population is certainly not increasing. I would speculate a decline in the number of dog owners and we have had information from vets suggesting the same. One cattery in Harborne said that more people are owning rabbits than dogs."
Mr Taylor said the cost in veterinary treatment may also be deterring more people from owning pets.
