Stray Dogs
The Council has a duty under the Environmental
Protection Act 1990 to catch dogs that appear to be
strays.
All stray dogs are kept at kennels for 7 days, following the 7
days they would be put up for re-homing and the original owner's
claim to the dog is likely to come to an end.
If your dog has gone missing you should contact Northumberland
County Council on (0845) 6006400 who will contact the Dog Warden on
your behalf.
If you find a stray dog, you are required by law to return it to
the owner or to contact the Council on (0845) 6006400 who will make
arrangements to collect it. If the dog is injured it
should be taken to the nearest vets as soon as possible.
Stray dogs found during normal working hours (08:00 –
17:00/16:30 Friday):
Any dog found in a public place and not being in the control of
the owner is considered to be a stray. Stray dogs can cause
many problems so don't let your dog roam alone, and all dogs must
by law wear a collar and identity tag in a public place.
To reclaim a dog the owner will be required to pay a release
fee, the cost of kennelling the dog and any outstanding
costs e.g. vets fees. The owners of dogs with some form of
identification will be notified as soon as is practicable.
In the first instance the dog should be returned to its
owner. If the owner is not known or cannot be identified from the
dog's collar and tag, one of the following procedures should be
followed:
1. You need to contact Northumberland County Council
Customer Services on 0845 600 6400. A dog warden will then
arrange with you to come and collect the dog.
2. Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter,
Benton Lane, Newcastle Upon Tyne. NE12 8EH,
(0191 2150435) accept dogs found by members of the
public in the Northumberland Area between
8:00 – 16:00hrs Monday - Friday
Stray dogs found outside normal working hours:
Under Section 68 of the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act
2005, the Police will no longer be involved in seizing stray dogs
and do not have a duty to accept strays if taken to a Police
Station.
Any dog found in a public place and not being in the control of
the owner is considered to be a stray. Stray dogs can cause
many problems so don't let your dog roam alone, and all dogs must
by law wear a collar and identity tag in a public place.
To reclaim a dog the owner will be required to pay a release
fee, the cost of kennelling the dog and any outstanding
costs e.g. vets fees. The owners of dogs with some form of
identification will be notified as soon as is practicable.
In the first instance the dog should be returned to its
owner. If the owner is not known or cannot be identified from the
dog's collar and tag, one of the following procedures should be
followed:
-
You can keep the dog until the next working day and then as
above, contact the Dog Warden section and arrange for the dog to be
collected.
-
Contact Northumberland CountyCouncil Customer Services on 0845
600 6400 and they will arrange for the dog to be collected by the
out of hours service. The dog must be detained.
-
This service is only available between 17:00 – 23:00hrs Monday –
Friday & between 8:00 – 23:00hrs Saturday - Sunday
-
Croft Vetinary Hospital, Northumberland Business Park West,
Cramlington. NE23 7RH, telephone number 0191 2503800 act as or
stray dog reception point, this is a 24hr service.
-
Stray dogs can also be taken to Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter,
Benton Lane, Newcastle Upon Tyne. NE12 8EH. (0191 2150435). This
service is available 8:00 – 16:00 Saturday & Sunday
Collar and Identity Tags
Under the Control
of Dogs Order 1992, all dogs must wear a collar and identity
tag in a public place. The tag must show the owner’s name and
address. Our dog wardens enforce this law and fines of up to £5000
can be given by the Courts for an offence.
Without identification, you are making it less likely that you
will get your dog back if it strays.
If you wish to report an offence, please contact Northumberland
County Council on (0845) 6006400 or email the details to ask@northumberland.gov.uk
Always make sure that your dog wears a collar and tag,
even if microchipped.
