Stray, lost and dangerous dogs

Please note that with effect from 1st April 2015 the authority with cease to run its Animal & Pest Control Out of Hours Service in relation to Stray Dogs.  From this date forward any stray dog will still need to be reported on 01352 702121 however, the dog will no longer be collected by our Dog Warden.  The dog should either be kept by the finder until the next working day when it will be collected by the Dog Warden or alternatively, the dog can be taken to our Reception Point at North Clwyd Animal Rescue up till 10.00pm in the evening, 7 days per week.

Further changes to our Stray Dog Service will see the introduction of a Fee applied during the day for any stray dog returned to the owner. Alternatively, the dog could be taken to North Clwyd Animal Rescue for the owner to collect where it will incur the Statutory Fine and associated kennelling charges, the minimum being 1 day.

Please also note that legislation states that any dog out in public should have a collar and tag on with the name and address of the owner on the tag.  Changes will also come into force that require all dogs to have a Microchip inserted.

Fees

Dangerous dogs

If the dog has injured someone or behaves in a way that makes you worried it might injure someone contact the Police (non-emergency call 101, emergency call 999).  It is also advisable to contact the police if a dog is straying on school premises or interfering with the flow of traffic (and a dog warden is unavailable).

If you find a stray dog

• Exercise caution when approaching / taking in any dog you are unfamiliar with.
• If the dog is wearing a collar or tag check to see if the owners contact information is provided and contact them directly if possible so they can collect the dog.
• If you cannot identify the owner and are worried about approaching the dog or the dog is causing a nuisance, contact our Dog Warden on 01352 701234 and provide the dog’s description and the location where it was last spotted.

The Dog Warden is available between 9am and 5pm (Monday to Friday).  Outside of these hours and at weekends please call 01352 702121.  You shouldn't take a stray dog to a police station as they are only responsible for dealing with dangerous dogs.

Can I keep a stray dog?

If you wish to keep a stray dog you are legally required to notify the Dog Warden.  You will be asked to sign a form agreeing to keep the dog for a minimum of 1 month unless claimed by the original owner.

If, within this time you decide you are no longer able to keep the dog, it must be handed over to the dog warden. 

The dog legally remains 'found property' and the original owner can reclaim it at any time, even years later.  Therefore, the dog never truly becomes the property of the finder.

If your dog is lost

• Contact the Dog Warden on 01352 701234 to see if they have it.
• Check your local vet, animal shelter, dogs home or shop notice boards to see if it someone has found it.
• Check websites such as UK Missing Pets Register or DogLost to see if anyone has found your dog.
• Publicise your lost dog by word of mouth and posters or online using the above websites.  If you have pet insurance they usually help with advice and advertising costs.

If the Dog Warden has picked up your dog you'll be formally sent ('served') a notice to come and collect it.  You are likely to be charged for the time it is kept in a kennel.  We can legally keep your dog until you have paid any charges.

If you don't collect your dog within seven days of the notice being served we will make it available for re-homing.

By law, all dogs must wear a collar with an identity disc attached displaying the name and address of the owner (it is recommended to also include your telephone number).  As collars are sometimes lost we recommend that dogs are microchipped which provides a permanent means of identification on a database.