New kennels for collection of stray dogs

All strays collected by Cannock Chase Council's dog warden contractor Noah's Ark will be taken to Swan Pit Kennels at Newport Road, Gnosall, near Stafford.

The opening times of the kennels for owners to reclaim their dogs are 10am to 1pm every day. Their telephone number is 01785 822 221.

The Council provides a dog collection service for when the stray dog is contained in a garden or garage or is put on a lead by the finder. This service is available from 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday and between 1pm and 3pm at weekends. Finders of stray dogs can access the service by calling the Council on 01543 462621.

Stray dogs that are taken to Swan Pit Kennels will be kept for seven days for the owner to come forward to reclaim.  Before the owner can take their dog home, there is a statutory fee payable, currently £25, as well as the appropriate boarding charge depending on the number of days the dog has been looked after.

Dogs that are not reclaimed after seven days will be available for adoption.

Cllr Janos Toth, Cannock Chase Council Deputy Leader and Environment Portfolio Holder, said: "Whilst some dogs do escape from their owners accidently, it is a sad fact that some owners willingly allow their dogs to stray. Any reason for straying can cause distress to the dog and the community, as well as presenting a risk to road safety if the dog runs across the road.

"I'd remind dog owners to make sure a tag with their address is attached to their dog's collar so that their pet can be returned to them if it strays. However, persistent straying will result in a dog being taken to the kennels, even if it has a tag."