Info - STRAY DOGS

STRAY DOGS

A stray dog is defined as 'any dog, tagged or not, that wanders outside its owner's property boundary, whether by accident or design'.

Allowing a dog to stray can lead to indiscriminate fouling in public places, attacks on other people or animals and road traffic accidents.

If you have secured a stray dog, you have a legal duty to either return that dog to its owner or inform the Dog Warden Service or local police station.

If you find a secured or roaming stray dog between 8.30am-5pm Monday-Thursday and 8.30am-4.30pm Friday contact the Dog Warden Service - see ‘Related Contacts’ on the right of the page.

If you find a secured stray dog between 5pm-1am Monday-Friday and 8am-1am Saturday and Sunday you should contact Animal Wardens on 0845 241 7253.  If you are unable to get through to speak to an operator during these times, leave a voicemail as prompted by the automated message and someone will get back to you.

What happens if a stray dog is seized by a dog warden?

If a stray dog is seized, the potential owner will try to be identified by a warden. If a potential owner is identified and able to be contacted, they will be required to show identification and pay any associated stray dog fees in full before being able to collect their dog or have it returned to them (out of hours only before 9pm). Free microchipping will also be offered upon payment of the fee. If a stray dog is seized after 9pm any potential owner identified upon seizure will attempt to be contacted the following day and provided with information about how to reclaim their dog. 

If no owner is identified or an identified owner is unable to be contacted, the dog will be taken to Manchester Dogs Home where it will be legally kennelled for 7 days. If an owner does claim the dog, they will have to pay any associated fees incurred, including all kennelling costs, in full before their dog is released. 

To establish the current kennelling charges please contact Manchester Dogs Home direct on 0844 504 1212. If after 7 days the dog is not claimed, it will become the property of the Home. 

Can I keep a stray dog that I have found?

If you secure a stray dog then you are legally obliged to return it to its owner (if known) or inform the local Dog Warden Service or police station. It is essential that you make all reasonable attempts to find the owner as failure to do so could result in you being accused of theft.

If you are interested in keeping a stray dog which you have found, you should inform the dog warden as soon as possible. If an owner cannot be established by the warden they will assess the suitability of you and your household and if satisfied, will complete a Finder-Keeper form.

You will then be legally obliged to keep that dog for a minimum of 28 days. However, if the owner of the dog was to come forward at any point during or after the 28 day period, it is likely the dog will have to be collected and returned to its owner.

Lost dogs

If your dog goes missing in Stockport, you should contact the Dog Warden Service to see whether it has been found by a dog warden. If not, your details and a description of your dog will be kept on record and the service will contact you should your dog be found.

It is also recommended that you report your dog as lost to Animal Wardens by either visiting their website (see Related Links on the right of the page), where you can also upload a photograph and description of your dog, or by telephoning 0845 241 7253.  Please note however that lost dog enquiries will not be taken after 9.30pm but, if you leave a voicemail when prompted by the automated message, appropriate action will be taken. 

Abandoned dogs

Your dog should not be abandoned either temporarily or permanently. If you believe a dog has been abandoned, this will be a matter for the RSPCA - see ‘Related Links’ on the right of the page.

Dogs should not be left in vehicles for long periods of time as this can cause them to overheat. If you are concerned about a dog being left in a vehicle please contact your local police station.

Worrying livestock

Stray dogs can also worry livestock that not only puts farm animals at risk, but dogs too. Many people find it hard to believe that their pet could be capable of chasing and harming livestock, but any dog can have its chase instinct triggered by the sight or movement of farm animals.

The dog is also in danger of being trampled by cattle and horses, or can be shot by the farmer. If your dog causes an accident, worries livestock, damages people or property, or is handed to the Police as a stray, you are liable for any costs incurred.

(http://www.stockport.gov.uk/services/environment/envhealth/animalwelfare/dogwardenservice/strayandabandoneddogs)