Stray Dogs and Dog Wardens

Stray Dogs

Following a change in the law in April 2008, the police no longer take in stray dogs at police stations. We at the City Council are now responsible for dealing with all stray dogs, including those found out of hours.

Every dog should have a collar and tag with up-to-date details, preferably with a telephone number.

What should I do if I lose my dog or find a stray dog?

If you lose or find a dog, call our Dog Warden service on 01865 249811.

Report lost dog online
Report stray dog online (use for stray sightings only. If secured phone us on: 01865 249811)

If you lose your dog report the fact immediately. If you wait for too long before reporting the loss the dog may well have been impounded in the meantime and payment will be required for retrieval.

If you find a dog you must report it to our Dog Warden service. Some people automatically assume a stray dog has been abandoned but in the majority of cases there is a distraught owner looking for it. 

Do we charge for this service?

There is a charge for reclaiming your lost dog if it has been collected by the Council. These fees are to cover the costs incurred by the council for the collection and kennelling of your dog.

Breakdown of fees:

The list of means-tested benefits which qualify the dog owner for discount on the council fee are as follows:

• Job Seeker's Allowance
• Income Support
• Housing Benefit
• Working Tax Credit
• Council Tax Benefit
• Pension Credit

Collar and tag your dog - it's legal requirement and could save you money

Every dog should have a collar and tag with up-to-date details, preferably with a telephone number.

If the finder can contact the owner directly that means they will get their dog back quickly, and as the council hasn't been involved, there will be no charges.

It is actually a legal requirement for any dog in a public place to have a collar and tag, and owners can be fined £5,000 if their dog hasn't got them.

We also recommend that all dogs are microchipped as this increases the chance of them being identified.

Microchipping

Microchipping your dog gives them the best chance of being identified and returned to you if they become lost or stolen.

Thousands of pets are lost every year and many are never reunited with their owners - microchipping can change that.

While collars and tags can get caught or removed - microchipping identifies your dog permanently and harmlessly.

A tiny microchip is inserted under the animal's skin. This gives the dog their own unique code.

The microchip can be scanned and matched to the owner's contact details, which are kept on a database, such as the national Petlog database. You must make sure the database you are registered with has your up-to-date contact details.

Contact your local vet for more information on microchipping.

Dog fouling

Report dog fouling for cleaning online
Tell us if you witness dog fouling

Dangerous dogs

If you are worried about a dangerous dog, you can report your concerns to Thames Valley Police on their non-emergency phone number: 0845 8 505 505.

Visit the Thames Valley Police or DEFRA websites for more information and advice on dangerous dogs.

Stolen dogs

Stolen dogs are still an issue countrywide and we would recommend that you do not leave your dog in the garden whilst you are out or leave it tied up in a public place and unattended.

Ultimately though any lost dog is the responsibility of it's owner, so you should make sure that you know where your dog is at all times.

Barking Dogs

If you have a noise problem regarding barking dogs or another noise related grievance contact our Environmental Development Team.

For full details about noise nuisance, visit our Noise Pollution pages.

Dog Warden Service

Our Dog Warden Service operates a non-destruction policy. All unclaimed strays are re-homed unless they are too sick to save or are vicious.

The staff are all very experienced in dog related issues and will be happy to help with your queries. If we don't know the answer we will know someone who does.

Neutering

It's nicer to neuter you dog for many reasons including behavioural, medical and financial. For more information visit the Dogs Trust website.

Responsible Ownership

Do:

• Train your dog in basic obedience - a trained dog makes for a happy dog and a happy owner.
• Worm your dog regularly, about every four months. Your vet will advise on the best product to use. Puppies and bitches with a litter will need to be wormed more frequently - again your vet will advise.
• Clean up after your dog.
• Keep your dog on a lead at all times whilst on a public highway.
• Make sure that your dog has a collar and tag.
• Think carefully before you buy a dog or give a home to a stray. They are expensive. We will be happy to give advice, supply telephone numbers of breed clubs and rescue centres.
• Make sure you know what the law requires of you.

Do not:

• Allow your dog to foul public places.
• Allow your dog to stray.
• Leave your dog at home for long periods - they may bark and upset your neighbours or become destructive.
• Buy a puppy from a puppy farm.
• Allow your dog to run out of control in public places.
• Buy a puppy or dog as a present for someone unless you are sure that they want the responsibility.

Animal Welfare Act 2006

Anyone in control of a dog has a legal duty of care under section 9 of the animal welfare Act 2006. The owner, or person looking after a dog, must make sure that their dog has the following;

• A suitable environment (where the dog lives)
• A suitable diet (including water)
• Is able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
• Is protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease
• Is housed with, or apart from, other animals.

Dog Control Orders

On 16th June 2011 Councillor John Tanner, Lead Member for a Cleaner, Greener Oxford approved the implementation of Dog Control Orders in the City of Oxford.  These orders will come into effect on 1st November 2011.  Please visit our Dog Control Orders page for full details.

Education

The Dog Warden service is available to give talks and presentations to schools, community groups, parish councils and tenants associations. Contact us for more details.

Useful Links

• FRODO - Fellowship of Responsible Oxford Dog Owners
• Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary
• RSPCA
• Dogs Trust
• The Blue Cross
• The Kennel Club

Page last reviewed 1 May 2012