Stray dogs
A dog that is loose or escapes into a public place and is not
under supervision is considered to be a stray dog. The
Council has a statutory responsibility to collect stray dogs for
their own welfare and for public safety.
What happens when
a stray dog is collected?
If a dog has a collar or microchip identifying its owner,
the dog will be returned straight back to the owner's
address. It will only be returned if the owner is at
home. If an owner cannot be contacted or identified the
dog will be kennelled for safe keeping.
In both cases the owner will have to pay a collection
fee to Broxbourne Services.
In the event of the owner not being found, Broxbourne
Services will liaise with Battersea Dogs Home regarding
its re-homing.
How much is the return fee and what does it cover?
Dog owners will have to pay a collection fee plus
any kennelling charges before the dog can be
returned.
Please call Broxbourne Services on 01992 642240 for
current charges.
Please note: If a visit to the vets is considered
necessary, then veterinary charges incurred will be added
to the return fee.
What should I do if I find a stray dog?
You should report the matter to Broxbourne Services on 01992
642240. You will be asked to provide the following details:
- Your name and contact details
- A description of the dog and its location
What should I do if I have lost my dog?
Contact Broxbourne services on 01992 642240 to
provide:
- Your name and contact details
- A description of the dog
- Details of when and where you last saw your dog
Broxbourne Services will check the details against its
database to see if the dog has been collected. If it
has, arrangements can be made to return the dog once any fees
are paid. If Broxbourne Services do not have any record
of your dog you should report it as missing to the Police.
How can I be a responsible dog owner?
Dog owners have a legal obligation under the Control of Dogs Act
1992 to provide their pet with a collar and disc that identifies
the owner's name and address, when in a public place. Dog
owners that fail to provide their pet with a collar and disc can be
prosecuted and fined.
If dogs are not kept properly accidents and nuisance can become
commonplace so dog owners must make sure that their dog doesn't
cause any problems. The list below might be a useful
guide:
- Try not to exercise your dog where children play
- Clean up waste and dispose of it properly (See: dog fouling)
- Whilst walking your dog near a road, keep it on a lead
- If your dog has aggressive tendencies, you are responsible for
keeping people and other animals safe from it
- If your dog barks excessively consider training clubs for noisy
dogs
- Ensure that your property is secure and that your dog
cannot escape
- Have your dog neutered or spayed
Dog fouling
Help the Council fight dog-fouling by reporting this anti social
behaviour. It claims the sight of 120 children a year, caused by a
parasite called Toxocara Canis.
Residents who need advice on any of these topics or wish to
report an incident can telephone the Helpline (01992 785577) or
e-mail (helpline@broxbourne.gov.uk).