Dogs

The Dog Warden service collects stray dogs from the streets, ensures that dogs wear collars and tags, and enforces the dog-fouling bylaws.

If you allow your dog to wander in public places without supervision, the law regards it as a stray dog. Dog Wardens pick up strays, after which the owner is liable to a charge of £25 plus kenneling costs before the dog can be returned. If unclaimed after a few days, the stray is taken to rescue kennels; if unclaimed after seven days it may be found a new home, with a new owner. This new person becomes the legal owner.

If a stray dog carries identification, it makes the return to its owner easy.

Many dogs do not however, and are picked up and re-homed. THE LAW REQUIRES A COLLAR AND IDENTIFICATION TAG TO BE WORN BY ALL DOGS WHEN AWAY FROM HOME, and the owner risks a fine if the dog does not have it.