Dogs that stray
Dogs that stray can be a hazard on the road. Thousands of dogs are killed and injured in road traffic accidents, but the risk doesn't end there. A motorist braking to avoid a dog could easily hit another car, cyclist or pedestrian.
It is every dog owner's responsibility to ensure that their dog is not allowed to stray. However when this does occur there is strict legislation to assist the Dog Warden in dealing with stray dogs.
My dog isn't a stray. He just escaped!
Any dog found wandering in a public place alone is classed as a stray and will be dealt with by the Dog Warden under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The dog will be collected and delivered to kennels. In order to claim the dog the owner/keeper will be required to pay fee of £25.00 (This is a statutory charge under the Environmental Protection Act 1990), plus any other costs incurred, before the dog is returned to them.
Furthermore there may an additional offence under the Road and Traffic Act 1988 if the dog was found on a public highway. If after an initial warning a dog is found on a highway, the Dog Warden may prosecute the owner through the Magistrates court. There is a maximum fine of £200.
My dog knows his way around and always comes home when he's ready
Dogs that are unsupervised cause a nuisance to members of public. They may intimidate people, cause a hazard on the road and foul in public places. The owner cannot control their behaviour or what they do. The Dog Warden will deal with him as a stray.
What should I do if I find a stray dog?
If you find a stray you can contact the Dog Warden on the number shown above. He will call and collect the dog and take it to the City Council's kennels. You may be asked to give a brief description of the dog.
If you find a dog in the evening or at the weekend, you should contact Cambridgeshire Police on 08454 564564. He may ask you to take the dog to them at Parkside Police Station, if you are able to do so safely, but will not be able to collect it from you.
What should I do if I lose my dog?
If you lose your dog you should contact the Dog Warden immediately by telephoning 01223 457898. He may already have found your dog. It is also advisable to contact the Police as they also maintain a register of lost dogs. You will be asked for a full description of your dog, and details of where and when it was lost.
What happens to unclaimed stray dogs?
The City Council keeps the dog in kennels for a period of 7 clear days. If the dog is not claimed in this time and the former owner loses all rights to its return.
The animal charity is then able to offer the dog for re-homing.
I've found a stray dog and wish to keep it.
You are legally required to notify the Dog Warden when you find a stray dog. It is possible for the finder to retain the dog, and the Dog Warden will visit you and fill in the form that requires you to keep the dog at your address for a period of one month, and to hand the dog over to the original owner if they come to claim the dog.
If during the month you decide that you do not wish to keep the dog you must hand the dog to the Dog Warden. You are not allowed to give it to a friend or relative. In the case of a dog being retained by finder, the dog legally remains 'found property' and the original owner can reclaim it at any time.
Therefore, the dog never truly becomes the property of the finder.
Stray Dogs Cost Money - Leaflet
Dog Warden
01223 457898
8.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Thursday
8.00am - 4.30pm
Friday
Cambridgeshire Police
(ask for Parkside)
08454 564564