Stray Dogs
Stray Dogs
There is no formal definition of a stray dog in law. A dog may reasonably be treated as a stray if it is roaming freely and not under the control of any person, irrespective of whether it has a home. This applies whether or not the dog wears a collar with identification or is microchipped.
The Councils dog warden service regularly patrols the Borough and if spotted, a dog will be collected and taken to the kennels.
What if I find a stray dog?
By law, if you find a stray dog. You are obliged to return the dog to its owner or contact the local authority; failure to do so is a criminal offence.
You can contact us by calling:- 01254 388111
Once collected by the council’s dog warden service, the stray dog is taken to our kennels. Where the dog will be given a quick health check and dogs with health concerns will be seen by a vet.
We then check for a collar and tag, as well as scanning for a microchip to try and trace the owner’s details. If these are found, we will try to contact the owner to collect their dog.
Dogs that are not claimed by their owners after 7 clear days of being impounded, will be either re-homed, sent to a rescue centre or in a few cases destroyed.
The stray dog collection service works from Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm
(Last collection time is 4.15pm)
Anything out of these times, you will need to contact the kennels directly or keep it until the next working day.
Return fee
Once a dog has been collected or handed in as a stray, you need pay for the release and any veterinary fees occurred to the kennels before your animal is returned.
How much is it?
The release fee is £100
(The dog’s owner has 7 days to collect)
Payments must be made prior to visiting the kennels
Card payments: – 01254 388111
Cash payments by visiting the council offices:
Scaithcliffe House
Ormerod Street
Accrington
BB5 0PU
Please note: there is no facility for payment by instalments and there are no exceptions made.