There is no statutory definition of a stray dog but the RSPCA defines it "as one that is in a public place and not under the charge of a keeper". When nobody is in control, dogs can cause problems such as road accidents, damage to property and fouling. They can be aggressive towards people and other pets. A responsible dog owner will do everything they can to keep their pet and others safe.
The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 (Section 68) makes us solely responsible for dealing with stray dogs. Any stray dogs that are tethered or securely held will be collected by our Community Wardens.
If we can't immediately identify the owner any dogs collected are taken to registered kennels for safe keeping. All efforts will be made to reunite micro-chipped dogs or dogs wearing collars with tags (owners details must be up-to-date and accurate) with their owners, before being taken to the kennels.
The law states that all dogs in public places should have a collar and identification (tag or microchip). Owners have seven days to claim their dogs and any that are not claimed are found a new home.
A handling fee together with any vet or kennelling costs must be paid before a dog can be reclaimed by its owner. We also keep a register of lost and found dogs.
We will never destroy a dog unless a vet recommends that the animal is suffering, can't be operated upon or medicated. Our policy is to rehome or pass onto local rehoming charities any unclaimed stray dogs.
If you have lost or found a dog, please telephone us on 01768 817817.
If you have had your dog microchipped and your contact details with the microchipping company are up to date, it is likely that you will be reunited quicker and the stray dog service charges will be smaller.
We have been awarded the RSPCA Gold Award for the stray dog service our Community Wardens provide.
For further information:
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Contact: Community Warden
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Email: pollution@eden.gov.uk
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Telephone: 01768 817817
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Fax: 01768 890732
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Address: Eden District Council, Mansion House, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 7YG
