ARCHIVE: Stray dogs
Stray dogs can be intimidating and in some cases dangerous. A stray dog is one that is in a public place, not under the charge of its keeper. Dog owners have a responsibility under the law to prevent their dogs from straying and causing injury or damage.
Make sure you know the telephone number for your local authority so that you can contact the dog warden if your dog goes missing.
The local authority has the responsibility to collect strays and will charge you for kenneling a dog, so act quickly to ensure you aren't put to unnecessary expense.
If a dog is not claimed within seven days the authority has the right to find him a new home, or destroy him.
If you see a stray dog you should contact your local authority. They will be able to advise whether a dog warden will collect the dog or give you the address of the nearest collection point.
Commencement of Section 68 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2007
Guidance to local authorities is available on the commencement of Section 68 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2007. Section 68 will commence on 6 April 2008, and will remove from the police responsibility for stray dogs, except dangerous dogs, so that local authorities will have sole responsibility for stray dogs.
- Guidance on stray dogs, October 2007 (PDF 110 KB)
- Letter to local authorities, 19 October 2007 (PDF 75 KB)
Page last modified: 22 October 2007