Animal welfare FAQs
Click a question to reveal the answer.
Q: If I allow my dog to roam on its own, is it classed as a stray dog?
Q: What happens to stray dogs that are picked up by the Dog Control Service?
Q: What should I do if I have found a dog?
Q: How long will Battersea Dogs and Cats Home look after my dog for before it is destroyed?
Q: What should I do if I have lost my dog?
Q: How can I find out if my dog has been picked up?
Q: I have spotted a stray dog. Who do I report it to?
Q: Does my dog have to wear a collar and identity tag?
Q: Does the dog control service deal with stray/lost cats?
Q: Where can I dispose of dog mess once I have picked it up?
Q: Can I leave my filled poop scoop bag in the gutter for the road sweeper to collect?
Q: Are there any exemptions from dog fouling laws?
Q: What can I do about dogs fouling the pavements?
You can report the matter to the Dog Control Service (020 8871 7606). Complaints are dealt with strictly in 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. Or, 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.
Q: I never see a Dog Control Officer. Where do they patrol?
Q: I want my cat/dog microchipped. How can I arrange this?
Q: I am a council tenant. How do I register my dog?
