Lost and stray dogs
On any one day in the UK there are around half a million stray dogs. These can cause problems such as road accidents; attacks on people; attacks on other dogs, cats or pets; fouling in public areas or private gardens; damaging property and knocking over bins.
What we do
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 places a duty on councils to collect stray dogs. A stray dog is classified as any dog that is unsupervised in a public place. Our dog wardens will try to return the dog home if the owner can be found. The dog will otherwise be taken to a kennels contracted to us.
Any kennelling fees will be payable by the owner wishing to reclaim the dog. We may also claim a prescribed fee of £25 from the owner. All the monies must be paid before the dog is returned.
Any unclaimed dogs are kept by us for 7 clear days after which time the dog may be rehomed, given to a dog rescue society or destroyed.
East Hampshire District Council has never destroyed a healthy dog.
Dog owner's responsibilities
The Control of Dogs Order 1992 makes it an offence for a dog not to wear a collar bearing the name and address of the owner. Failure to observe this law could lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £2,000.
How you can help
There are several things you can do to prevent the problem of lost or stray dogs:
- Ensure that your dog has a collar with an up-to-date tag at all times
- Make sure that your garden is escape-proof before you leave your dog alone there
- Do not allow your dog to run loose on its own. This is irresponsible and unfair on other residents
- Report dogs that regularly stray to the dog wardens
- Consider having your dog microchipped
If you find a dog
During office hours
Report it to the Dog Wardens on 01730 234318 or 01730 234319, who will collect the dog as soon as possible. It is also worth informing your local vets and, if you are close to the boundary of a district, the neighbouring borough or district councils’ dog wardens.
Outside office hours
Phone Lost Paws on 0870 609 1449. They will come and collect the dog from you if it is between the hours of 5pm and 1am Monday to Friday and 9am to 1am on Weekends and Bank Holidays.
If you lose a dog
Call the dog warden as soon as possible, we may already know where your dog is. Call your vet and neighbouring district or borough council. Make sure that the telephone number you leave is not unattended so that we can let you know immediately if your dog is found.