Stray or lost dogs
If you have lost your dog within in the Borough we will record the details on our Register, if you have found a stray dog within the Borough we will arrange to have the dog collected from you, please call us on 01372 732000. If you wish to use this service out of hours or at weekends please telephone 01932 425718.
Every stray dog that we pick up is checked for any identification tags or microchips so that we can contact the owner and arrange for the dog’s return. The Council will charge the dog owner for the full expenses incurred for the collection and holding of the dog. This will vary according to time and journeys involved, details are contained in the Council Fees and Charges report.
If a dog is not claimed within 7 days, it is re-homed and becomes the property of the new owner.
If the dog is dangerous
If the dog has tried to bite someone or is aggressive - please tell the Police but do not attempt to handle it yourself.
If you have lost a dog
Please let us know so that we can check if a dog that fits the description of your missing dog has been found and taken to the kennels. It is also worth contacting Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and Doglost company via the links below in case your dog has been taken there.
What can I do about dog fouling?
Owners should prevent their dogs fouling the pavement and should dispose of any dog waste properly either by taking it home or by using a special dog waste bin.
If you witness a dog owner offending, please let us know so that we can deal with it. Reports are dealt with in strict confidence, although your name and address will be required for our records. Please help us to identify the owner so we can talk to them.
We also have powers to prosecute offenders who may be fined up to £1,000.
The Control of Dogs Order (1992)
All dogs must wear a collar in a public place, with an identity tag showing the name and address of the owner. The dog must still wear a collar and identity tag even if it is micro chipped and owners can be fined up to £5,000 for failure to comply.
Dangerous Dogs Act (1991)
It is an offence for any dog that is dangerously out of control to be in a public place. We can take action before the dog has bitten anybody. Therefore if a dog acts in such a way that someone thinks they will be attacked, an actual offence has been committed.
Pit bull terriers, or similar types of dog, must be kept muzzled and on a lead at all times when in a public place and must not be lead by anyone under the age of sixteen. Owners must also obtain an exemption certificate from the index of Exempted Dogs.
Failure to comply may result in:
- the dog being destroyed
- a fine of up to £5,000
- up to six months in prison.
Guard Dogs Act (1975)
It is an offence to let guard dogs wander freely and unsupervised on private land or in any public place. A warning notice must be displayed on all outside walls on any site where a guard dog is present. Owners could be fined up to £5,000 for failure to do so.
Guard dogs must:
- be supervised by a handler at all times
- be on a secure lead that does not stretch over the whole property.
External Links
The Kennel Club
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Doglost company
RSPCA
Dogs Trust charity
Further Information
Download advisory Leaflet on Dogs in the Borough (opens in pdf format)
Download leaflet "Control of Dogs, The Law and You" (opens in pdf format)