Dog warden service

Patrols

During the summer patrols are carried out on a weekly basis of Parish areas, The Civic Wardens are encouraged to adopt a "Community policing" style whereby they talk to dog owners, encourage responsible dog ownership, hand out free "poop scoop" bags. They point out the location of "Poop scoop" bins and generally try to be visible and approachable. Any offenders seen not cleaning up after there dog are offered the opportunity to put the matter right prior to the issue of fixed penalty tickets.

Conclusion

The Civic Wardens are educating owners to stop taking their dogs to playing fields and childrens play areas or picnic spots to go to the toilet, even if they do clean up. The time must come when owners stop taking their dogs into leisure areas specifically to go to the toilet, and teach them to go at home, (however unpleasant) or use dog-designated areas where available.

Stray dogs and dogs off leads on public roads

Under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Road Traffic Act 1988 a local authority has a legal duty (a) to pick up any dog which is found straying and (b) to enforce the provisions of the Control of Dogs and Roads Order 1990.

These responsibilities help protect stray dogs from being involved in accidents with motor vehicles, help prevent the streets from being fouled with dog mess and help protect the general public from being bitten by dogs which may be dangerous or upset at being lost.

To assist with the funding of this essential service the local authority has agreed to levy the following charges on the owner of any dog which is picked up as a stray. Every owner has to pay this charge before they can be reunited with their pet.

Fees for reclaiming detained dogs

• (Including statutory fee of £25)
• Dog picked up - £60.00 + Kennel Fees*
• If the dog is wearing an identity disc, or micro-chipped, a discount will be given on the above charges should the dog straying prove to not be the owners fault.

* Kennel fees are currently £10 + VAT per day or any part of a day.

When a dog is picked up, the local authority has a responsibility to look after it for up to 7 days. After 7 days it the animal has not been reclaimed the local authority becomes the legal owner and will make every effort to re-home the animal with a new owner.

Any person who offers to re-home a dog will be asked to pay a fee.