Animal Welfare

Stray animals

We have a legal duty to deal with stray animals.

Service specification

We have a duty under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 section 149 to collect and detain stray dogs. We also have the power to dispose of the dogs if they remain unclaimed.

Under the Animal Act 1971 this department can impound any livestock which has strayed onto Council land. The animals are only returned to their owners after payment for any damages and expenses incurred. Livestock that has strayed onto private land may also be impounded, at the written request of the landowner.

Each year we receive about 250 complaints of stray dogs leading to about 100 being seized. Incidents of straying livestock are limited to about 1 or 2 annually.

The responsibility for dealing with this service is delegated to the Head of Environmental and Enforcement Services in the Customer Services Department who may appoint an officer, or employ the services of an outside agency, to discharge these duties.

We have established clear community priorities for its work.

Lost dogs

We will maintain a register of dogs reported lost. Details of lost dogs can be seen on our website
We will provide and publicise a telephone contact point where the public can report lost dogs, and obtain advice
Details of lost dogs can also be reported via our website

Collection/Seizure of stray dogs

Stray dogs|

The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 Section 68 has removed the requirement of the Police to accept and seize stray dogs. This duty was transferred in full to the Council on Sunday 6 April 2008. However, the police have retained responsibility for dangerous dogs and dogs worrying livestock. This means that you are no longer able to hand in stray dogs to the police at your local station.

Sick/Injured dogs

We will provide any sick or injured stray dog, which we seize, with appropriate veterinary treatment to prevent unnecessary suffering. If the animal is returned to the owner, they will be charged the full cost of treatment.

Return of seized dogs to their owners

We will make all reasonable enquiries to locate the owners of seized dogs. This will include checking for details on any collar and checking whether the animal is already micro-chipped. We will notify Battersea Dogs Home, who keep a register of dogs lost and seized in the M25 area
Where the ownership of a seized stray dog has been found out, we will notify the owners as soon as possible, usually by telephone, of the dog's whereabouts
Where the owner of a seized dog can be identified, we will serve a notice on that person, within 24 hours, as required by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 section 149(4). This will detail where the dog is being kept, and explain that if it is not claimed within 7 days, it will be disposed of
If the finder of a stray wishes to keep the dog we will make appropriate enquiries to find out that the finder is a suitable person to keep the dog and will keep a record as specified by the Environmental Protection (Stray Dogs) Regulations 1992. This will include assessing the living accommodation for space, the composition of the family and their lifestyle, and any other animals. We will check for any information indicating that the finder has been an irresponsible dog owner in the past
We will inform finders keeping stray dogs of their obligations as specified by the Environmental Protection (Stray Dogs) Regulations 1992, verbally and in writing
Seized dogs will only be returned to their owners after payment of appropriate fees and charges. Currently £27 (retrieval of dog), plus £6 per overnight stay at our kennels (and a £25 administration fee). Cheques will only be accepted with a valid cheque guarantee card

Detention of stray dogs

We will detain stray dogs for 7 clear days, either from the date of seizure or from the date of the service of Notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 s.149 (4), whichever is the later. During the 7 day period the dog may be kept either at our kennels in Dagenham or at Battersea Dogs Home. During this time the dog will be available for collection by its owner
A dog may be destroyed, before the expiration of the 7-day period, if in the opinion of the officer and a veterinary surgeon this should be done to avoid suffering
During the detention period we will ensure that detained dogs are properly fed and maintained

Disposal of stray dogs

If, after the 7-day period, a stray dog has not been collected by its owner, we will dispose of the dog by:
- Selling it or giving it to a person who will, in our opinion, care properly for the dog
- Selling it or giving it to an establishment for the reception of stray dogs
Whenever possible we will give uncollected stray dogs the opportunity to be found a new home
Where a dog has been disposed of, the ownership of the dog shall be vested in the recipient

Other animals

At the request of the managing department we will impound livestock which has strayed onto council land. On privately owned land we will impound livestock, at the written request of the landowner
If known, the owner of the animal will be informed that the animal has strayed onto council land, and giving details of where it can be collected within 2 hours, subject to the payment for any damage caused, and expense incurred
We will notify the police of the straying animal and inform them that we intend to impound it
After 2 hours we will arrange for the animal to be impounded and removed to a suitable establishment where it will be held for a minimum of 14 days
The animal will be returned, on satisfactory proof of ownership and the payment for any damage caused, and expense incurred
If any animal has not been claimed after 14 days, it will be sold at auction. If the owner appears after this time and produces satisfactory proof of ownership, any monies received will be given to the owner less the cost of any damage caused, and expense incurred

Related legislation

When dealing with stray dogs we will take into account the relevant provisions of:

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
The Control of Dogs Order 1992
The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996
The Protection of Animals Act 1911
The Abandonment of Animals Act 1960
Any other relevant legislation

Feedback and complaint

We value feedback about our services

We will provide opportunities for clients to tell us if they are satisfied with the service they have received from us.

If a client wishes to complain about an aspect of our service that we cannot resolve, we will provide an opportunity to confirm the complaint in writing and have it investigated by a senior officer.