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- Dogs can sometimes be unpredictable and you should not approach a stray dog unless you are sure it is safe to do so.
- We only provide a collection service between 8.45am and 4.30pm. Before taking in a stray dog you should be sure you can keep it until we are able to attend. This may be the next working day.
- If the dog is wearing a collar and tag with the owners name, address and phone number you may be able to return it straight to its owner.
- If you want to report a stray dog you have seen in a public place or in the street please contact us.
- Weekday Office hours- Contact the dog warden service on 01782 232055 and we will respond as soon as we can, however we may have other dogs waiting to be collected so please be patient.
- Note: There is no service available outside office hours. If you find a stray dog outside office hours contact the call centre and they will arrange for collection on the next working day.
Don't take the dog directly to a rescue centre. They will only take dogs that have:
- been signed over by their rightful owner; or
- been passed to them from the dog warden (after holding them for seven days).
- The Police no longer have responsibilities for dealing with stray dogs unless they are a dangerous breed or causing a risk to public safety.
Can I keep the dog?
You must report any stray dog you have found to us - so we can see if we can identify an owner. Many dogs are microchipped
for this reason. If we take the dog to the kennels and no-one comes forward to reclaim it you can adopt it after seven
days. This way the dog will be legally yours.
If you decide to keep the dog in your home instead, you must still
let us know. (Otherwise it may be classed as theft). We will still need to visit to try and identify an owner but you could
become the guardian of the dog.
The Dog Warden will seize the dog and complete a guardian form which you will have to sign then you will be allowed to keep the dog at your home for the seven day statuatory period instead of taking it to the contracted kennels.
After the seven day period the council can gift the dog to you. You will then have to keep the dog by law for 28 days from the date on the guardian form and not give it away or sell it to anyone else.
If the rightful owner comes forward within the seven days you must hand the dog over to them or to us.
For
more information visit the Dogs Trust website by following the link from this page.