General Questions

  1. I think a dog is being cruelly treated, what should I do?
  2. My neighbour’s dog is barking all day long, what should I do?
  3. How do I stop my dog from barking?
  4. I have lost my dog, what should I do?
  5. I have found a dog, what should I do?
  6. Where can I get my dog microchipped?
  7. What details should I put on my dogs collar and tag?
  8. Should I get my dog neutered?
  9. Should I get a dog and how do I choose which one?
  10. What happens to the lost dogs that can’t be reunited with their owner?
  11. Does the Dog Warden deal with cats?
  12. My dog is afraid of fireworks, what can I do?

Fouling Questions

  1. What are the penalties for not cleaning up after my dog?
  2. As a dog owner how can I avoid paying a fine while out with my dog?
  3. What if there are no signs to tell me to pick up your dog’s waste?
  4. What can I use to pick up waste?
  5. What if there are no bins nearby?
  6. Would I be responsible if I am walking somebody else’s dog that fouls?
  7. What can I do if I know of somebody who doesn’t clean up after his or her dog?

General Answers

  1. If you think a dog is being cruelly treated, then you should contact the RSPCA. You can call 0300 1234 999. Further information about what information they need from you to make a report can be found on their website - RSPCA
  2. If a dog is persistently barking, there may be a reason for this. Has the dog got outside by accident and no one has realised? In the first instance, you should approach your neighbour about the problem. They may be unaware that the behaviour is happening or having an effect on you. If you feel that you cannot speak to them directly then you could contact the Environmental Protection Team on 01225 477551. Further advice on how to deal with noise nuisance (including barking dogs) can be found here: Environmental Protection -Noise Toolkit
  3. There are a number of reasons why your dog could be barking including loneliness, boredom or frustration, attention seeking, defending its territory or a medical problem. You can find out more by downloading the leaflet produced by DEFRA. Click on ‘Is your dog barking too much?’ You may also wish to consider training at a local dog training club. You could also ask your vet for recommendations about a professional trainer.
  4. Hopefully your dog will have a form of identification on it. If so it will be far easier to reunite your dog. It is the law for your dog to have a collar and tag stating an address and preferably telephone number. In the meantime, you should contact the Dog Warden, local to where you lost the dog, your Microchipping Company and Dog Lost. You may also wish to inform your pet insurance company as they may be able to help with advertising costs etc., use social media such as Facebook and Twitter, tell friends and family and as many people as possible to spread the word.
  5. If you have found a dog please click on Stray Dogs to find further information on what to do. 
  6. If your dog is a puppy and new to you, you could contact your vets who offer ‘puppy packs’ containing everything your dog needs including vaccinations, worming, flea treatment and microchipping. Rescue centres will usually microchip the dog before it leaves. They may also offer free microchipping to other dogs. If you have taken on a dog from another person, (family member, neighbour) you should check that the dog is chipped and updated with the correct details as necessary. A vet should be able to do this for you or the Dog Warden.
  7. The Law states every dog while in a highway or public place shall wear a collar with the name and address of the owner inscribed on the collar or on a plate or badge attached to it. We would also recommend a contact telephone number so that if your lost dog is found, we can easily contact you.
  8. If you are not a registered breeder, then it is a good idea to have a dog neutered/spayed. It can help with their temperament and there are other health benefits gained from neutering such as protection from certain cancers and infections.  The best place to seek advice will be your vet. Further information can also be found on the RSPCA website.
  9. When deciding whether to get a dog, there are a number of things that you must first consider including the cost, your lifestyle, your location and space. For further advice and on how to choose a breed, click on The Kennel Club to go to their website.
  10. Any dog taken into council care due to straying is held for 7 clear days as required by law.  If after that time the dog remains unclaimed and the Dog Wardens have been unable to reunite, then the dog will be rehomed or passed to a rescue or rehoming centre. If the dog is too vicious to be rehomed or suffering from illness, on the advice of a vet, the dog may be put to sleep.
  11. The Dog Warden Service only deals with dogs. Cats are free to roam where they wish and they are not subject to any controls when doing so.
  12. If your pet has previously shown a fear to these noises, you should contact a behaviourist to start a desensitisation process. Seek advice from your vet who should be able to refer you. There are also some things that you can do to minimise the impact the fireworks have on your dog or other pets. For further advice on what to do during firework seasons, click on the link to the RSPCA - Fireworks website for their top tips. ‘

Fouling Answers

  1. Presently the Fixed Penalty fee is £50 for not picking up after your dog, this can increase if you fail to pay and if you are then found guilty upon prosecution in court.
  2. The simplest solution is to train your dog to go at home before you take him for a walk. However, you should always be prepared to clean up after your dog and should always carry some means of picking up the waste. Always carry at least two poop scoop bags for each dog every time you walk your dog.
  3. Lack of signs is no defence if you are caught allowing your dog to foul and not removing the waste.
  4. Waste can be picked up using an ordinary plastic carrier bag, nappy sack or a dog bag since they are inexpensive and easily carried. There are many “poop scoop” devices that can be obtained from pet stores, vets and other pet suppliers.
  5. Dog waste suitably wrapped in a plastic bag or similar can be disposed of in any litter bin or dog waste bin. If none are available nearby, you should be prepared to carry the waste home where it can be disposed of with your normal household waste. Lack of bins is no defence should you be caught leaving dog waste behind. This also applies to littering offences; all litter should be taken home if there is no litter bin nearby.
  6. Yes. It is the responsibility of the person in charge of the dog to clear up any waste. This need not be the dogs’ owner. If you are caught allowing a dog to foul and not removing the waste you are liable for the offence regardless of who actually owns the dog.
  7. If you wish to report the matter it would helpful if we have the following details:

The name, address if known of offender, description of the dog, and the time and place the incident occurred. This information should be passed to the Dog Wardens at the earliest opportunity by calling 01225 39 40 41. They will then decide whether the matter can be taken further. The more accurate and specific the information provided, the greater the chance of a dog fouler being penalised.

 

 

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