Dogs

We (not the Police) are responsible for stray dogs found within the borough.

If you have lost or found a dog, we need the following information to help you:

• where the dog was lost or found
• the date and time
• description, such as colour or markings, approximate age
• breed of dog (or type if unsure e.g. terrier) and its sex
• whether it has a collar or tag and any other details e.g. ear tattoo

Report a lost dog

Report a lost dog Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, by using our online form:

Report a lost dog

Or call the help line on 01737 276 000.

Once we receive your report our dog warden will be in touch with you as soon as possible.

Please note we also have an out of hours dog collection service - call 0151 221 2938 (call costs may vary from mobile phones due to the service provider).

Owners please note

• Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 - GOV.UK, a person claiming to be the owner of a dog taken into our care under section 149 (seizure of stray dogs) is not entitled to have the dog returned to them unless they pay the expenses incurred while the dog is in our care, such as a statutory handling fee, for kennelling and any essential vet treatment. These charges are explained under Dog control fees and charges.
• The kennels we use are fully licensed.
• The kennels do not allow owners to collect their pet themselves; the dog warden will collect and return your dog on the next working day. If your dog is found during the weekend or a public holiday, our out of hours dog warden will make every effort to reunite dogs with their owners.  If this is not possible, the dog will be taken to one of our secure designated kennels.

Dog control fees and charges

Fees and charges can be found on the Dog control fees and charges page.

The council not the police

Legislation changes in 2008 (Section 68 of the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act 2005) mean that the police can no longer accept dogs at police stations.

Once a dog restrained in some way by a member of the public, our Dog Warden will collect it and if the owner is not immediately identifiable (such as by collar tag or microchip) take it to one of our kennels. The dog will be kept safely kennelled for a minimum of seven days.

During this time we make every effort to reunite dogs with their owners. After this week we will seek to rehome the dog through a charity.