Page last updated at 10:02 GMT, Thursday, October 18 2012

Stray and Lost Dogs

A stray dog is defined as any dog that is in a public place or a private place where it should not be, without its owner/keeper in attendance.

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 each Local Authority has a designated officer to deal with stray dogs.

A stray dog may be reclaimed by its owner after full payment of a statutory fee, daily kennel fee and any other expenses incurred. This will include veterinary fees, if applicable.

If you lose your dog contact the Animal Welfare Officers covering the area in which you lost it. They will take details of your dog and give advice on any further action you should take.

If you find a dog it is an offence not to inform the Local Authority covering the area in which you found it.   The Animal Welfare Officers will collect the dog during normal working hours.  If a dog has a tag with the owner's name and address inscribed, you may return it directly to them.

There is an out-of-hours service for stray dogs.  If you find or lose a dog at the week-end or after the office is closed you should telephone 01489 892 760.

If your dog is stolen you should report it to the Police and obtain an incident number.  Also report the theft to the Animal Welfare Officers who will give advice on further action you may take.  If your dog is insured or micropchipped you should also report it to the relevant insurance company.

Stray dogs in poor condition
The Animal Welfare Officers assess all stray dogs and will obtain veterinary treatment as required.  If they consider there is a welfare problem they will contact the RSPCA to decide on any further action.

For further information contact us