Stray and Lost Dogs
About Stray and Lost Dogs
Lost and Found Dogs
Stray Dogs Straying and neglected dogs can cause significant nuisance and even accidents and injuries as they may be frightened, hungry or thirsty. The definition of a stray dog is one which is unsupervised in a public place, regardless of whether it is wearing a collar and tag. It is illegal to allow a dog within 3 metres of a carriageway without being held on a lead.
The Council is responsible for dealing with all stray dogs within the District. Dogs are taken to Sunnyside Kennels, Coven where owners may reclaim their dogs. It costs the Council £40 to collect each stray dog and take it to the kennels. In order to reclaim their dog, owners will have to pay a £25 fixed fee plus kennelling costs. Owners may also be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £75 and could be charged with committing an offence for which they may be prosecuted.
Strays reported before 7pm will generally be collected. Dogs noticed to be straying after this time should be left to roam, as many will find their own way home. If you take in a stray dog in you should be prepared to keep it until the next available working day.
Read News article about stray dogs
Dangerous Dogs
A dog that shows aggression towards a member of the public, or another animal may be considered to be dangerous even if it has not bitten or attacked anyone. If a person believes that the dog will bite, action can be taken by the Police under the Dangerous Dogs Act. If you wish to report a Dangerous Dog please contact Staffordshire Police in the first instance on 0300 1234455.
Lost Dogs
All dogs should wear an identity tag or be tattooed / microchipped. If you do lose your dog then please report it to us as soon as possible by using this form (Link ) or call our contact centre. We keep a register of all dogs reported lost and will do our best to ensure your dog is returned should it be collected as a stray.
Useful websites for further information:
