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If I allow my dog to roam on its own, is it classed as a stray dog?
Yes, according to the Environmental Protection Act 1990 sec. 149-151, all dogs in a public place without an owner/person in charge present, is a stray dog.
What happens to stray dogs that are picked up by the Dog Control Service?
When a stray dog is collected, officers will scan the dog for a microchip, check its ears for a tattoo, and check for owner details on its collar. On occasion we may contact the lost dog line at Battersea Dogs Home on 0901 477 8477. If the owner is identified then the dog will be returned to its owner, and on some occasions, legal action taken against the owner if any laws have been broken. If the owner is not identified then the dog is taken to Battersea Dogs Home. On occasions where the dog is persistently straying and being picked up we may seize the dog in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 sec. 149-151. If this happens you will have to pay a reclamation fee, currently £25 plus any kennelling and veterinary charges. A private kennel is used to look after the dog during this period.
What should I do if I have found a dog?
Contact us and we will arrange to collect the dog from you as soon as is practicable. Alternatively you may take the dog to a police station that has kennelling facilities.
How long will Battersea Dogs Home look after my dog for before it is destroyed?
Contrary to popular belief, Battersea Dogs Home do not indiscriminately destroy dogs. They have an excellent structure and policy for assessing and training dogs to be re-homed to good loving homes.
If your dog is taken to the Battersea Dogs Home it will be kept as a stray for seven days from the date that it is taken in. This is the statutory period. After that the dog can legally be re-homed.
What should I do if I have lost my dog?
Contact the dog control service with the details. We will record the details in the lost dog register. You may also wish to contact your local police station, the local RSPCA hospital, and the Battersea Dogs Home. If your dog was lost close to the borough boundary then you may also wish to contact the neighbouring borough's Dog Control Service.
How can I find out if my dog has been picked up?
Call us on 020 8871 7606 or 07860 534733.
I have spotted a stray dog. Who do I report it to?
Call us on 020 8871 7606 or 07860 534733.
Does my dog have to wear a collar and identity tag?
Yes. The law states that all dogs when in a public place must be wearing a collar and an identity tag with the owners name and address inscribed upon it. There are some exceptions concerning working dogs and packs of dogs. For more details of the exceptions please use the feedback form.
Does the service deal with stray/lost cats?
No. We are strictly a Dog Control Service. However, if you have lost or found a cat you may contact Battersea Dogs Home who do deal with cats also. You may also wish to contact the local vets, RSPCA, Blue Cross and any other animal charities in the area.
Cats are microchipped by Dog Control Officers (See below) and officers will scan a cat that you have found upon request.
There are different fouling bye laws in operation in different places within the borough. How would I know when to pick up my dogs mess?
We would always advise dog owners to pick up their dogs mess, wherever they are. Regardless of what laws are in operation it is always safe and responsible to pick up your dogs mess.
Where can I dispose of the mess once I have picked it up?
In a poop scoop bin, litterbin or household refuse bin. All dog mess ends up in a landfill site.
Can I leave my filled poop scoop bag in the gutter for the road sweeper to collect?
No. This constitutes another offence of dropping litter and you could be prosecuted under Sec. 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Are there any exemptions from the fouling laws?
Yes, but only one. A blind person in charge of a registered guide dog is exempt from these laws.
What can I do about dogs fouling the pavements?
You can report the matter to us. Complaints are dealt with in strict confidence although your name and address will be required for council records only. If you are aware of the details of the person responsible then we can pay them an advisory visit. Alternatively, if you are able to inform us of regular times and descriptions of people and their dogs that are responsible then this will help us in our investigations.
On some occasions, members of the public witness fouling offences taking place and are prepared to make a statement and possibly go to court. If we can identify the offender then we may prosecute them using your evidence. This would be your choice though.
I never see a Dog Control Officer. Where do they patrol?
Officers attempt to patrol every part of the borough every day. However, this is not always practicable. Dealing with stray dogs, specific complaints/enquiries, and targeting badly fouled areas can take up a large part of the patrol duties. Sometimes officers patrol in plain clothes in an unmarked vehicle and it is hoped that on these occasions, that you do not notice them.
I want my Cat/Dog microchipped. How can I arrange this?
Dog Control Officers are qualified to microchip cats and dogs. This is carried out at various roadshow events throughout the borough. We also attend the Earlsfield and District Dog training Club on the first Thursday of every month to microchip.
The current cost is £15. Contact us or use the feedback form for up to date venues. |
