Packed animal shelters have forced a record number of dogs to be put down in Auckland, in the year to June

Council figures show about four-thousand impounded canines were euthanised -- almost 50 percent up on the previous year.

That equates to 11 a day, with more impounded dogs euthanised - than claimed or rehomed.

Auckland Animal Management Manager Elly Waitoa says it comes down to irresponsible owners.

She says it amounts to a relentless cycle which overwhelms its facilities.