Harrogate Borough Council

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Stray Dogs

The Dog Control Officer (DCO) will respond to all complaints of stray dogs within the service standard of 24 hours.

Any complaint of a stray dog that is about to cause a road accident or any dogs roaming in packs will be dealt with urgently.

What happens to a stray dog?

A dog caught for the first time straying will be returned to the owner provided it is wearing a collar and identification tag or is microchipped and can be returned immediately. If not the dog will be taken to the Council kennels and kept for 7 days.

If there is evidence that the dog found is persistently straying, it will be taken directly to the kennels, irrespective of any identification, and kept for 7 days.

If possible the owner will be notified that the dog has been kennelled. The owner will have to pay a stray charge of £45.00 plus the cost of any kennelling and veterinary fees before the dog can be released. 

Kennelling fees are approximately £7.00 per day.

When stray dogs are returned to their owners the DCO will offer to microchip the dog for £12.50, or no charge if the owner is on qualifiable benefits.

Where a dog remains at the kennels for longer than 7 days, ownership of the dog reverts to the Council and they can do whatever is deemed fit for the dog.  DCOs will attempt to re-home the dog with a charity or to a suitable private home, but in very exceptional circumstances or on the advice of a veterinarian, the dog may have to be humanly destroyed.

How can I pay any stray fines?

Full payment by cash or cheque made payable to Harrogate Borough Council with guarantee card, can be made to the DCO if your dog is being returned by them directly to you.

At the kennels, staff can be paid in the same way prior to the dog being released back to its owner.

What if I see a dog straying?

If you see a dog straying then you should:

• Contact the Dog Warden Service (DWS) on 01423 556633
  
• Complete our online reporting form

Please be sure to pass on as much information as possible. For example: 

Time and location where you saw the dog, type, colour, size, distinguishing marks, if it has a collar and tag, etc.

If a dog is dangerously out of control in a public place, then contact the Police on 0845 60 60 24 7.

If a stray dog is about to cause a road accident or if you see a pack of stray dogs roaming then you may contact the DCO on their Emergency telephone number 07525 988 048.

DO NOT CONTACT THE DCO EMERGENCY NUMBER FOR ANY OTHER REASON.

What if I find a stray dog?

Due to the potential dangers, a member of the public should never attempt try to catch a straying dog.

If you however find a stray dog within normal office hours, contact the DWS on 01423 556633.  If outside normal office hours you can return it direct to the owner if known, keep it until the DWS can be contacted to collect it on the next working day, or you can take the dog to the Council's stray dog reception centre by telephoning 07525 988 061. 

Please note we do not operate a collection service for stray dogs outside of normal office hours and the local police stations do not accept stray dogs.

DO NOT CONTACT THE DCO EMERGENCY NUMBER.

What if I lose my dog?

If you lose your dog then contact the DWS on 01423 556633 and / or complete our online reporting form.  A DCO will contact you on the next working day to assist you.

We suggest that you also contact your local police station, local vets and your neighbours to find out if anyone has handed it in or reported it as a stray. Give a full description of the dog and where it was last seen. If the DWS has had any reports of stray dogs matching the description they will assist you in finding it.

DO NOT CONTACT THE DCO EMERGENCY NUMBER OR RECEPTION CENTRE.

Does my dog need a collar and tag?

By law, dogs must wear a collar and tag with ownership details at all times even if they are microchipped. By putting a collar and identification tag on you dog you are not only complying with the law but it enables somebody to return your dog direct to you quicker, and potentially without any cost to you.

Online reporting form

You can use the form below to notify us of a stray, found or lost dog, make microchipping appointment, or report a fouling incident.