Dog wardens

All Councils have to enforce the section of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 that deals with stray dogs and it is the Dog Wardens that enforce the law on behalf of the Council.

Their normal duties and responsibilities include:

• Dealing with stray dogs
• Enforcing dog related legislation
• Promotion of responsible dog ownership
• Liaising and working alongside other agencies

Our dog wardens are available Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm but do not work evenings, weekends or bank holidays. They investigate all dog-related issues and give advice on welfare and responsible ownership such as neutering and micro-chipping.

You can report a dangerous dog to the police at any time on 101 or 999 (emergencies only)

If you have lost your dog, check with our partner Cliffe kennels and any kennels or veterinary clinics local to you in case your dog has been taken there. Also, check on social media in case any local dog charities have found your dog.

If you have found a dog, a local vet may be able to scan it for a microchip and help you find the owner.

We aim to collect dogs within 24 hours (or the next working day) and ask that you keep them secure, sheltered and with access to water.

How to report a missing, found, or dangerous dog

Missing dogs

If you have lost your dog you should report it to the dog warden service by telephoning 01274 433927.

If we pick up a dog matching the description you have provided, we will contact you. You should also contact our partner, Cliffe Kennel, other local kennels, vets or the Dogs Trust in case someone else has found your dog and handed it in.

You may also want to contact our street cleaning service in case they have picked up your pet. Telephone 01274 431000

If your dog has been taken to Cliffe kennel

There is a charge for picking up your lost dog and these can be found on our fees and charges page link to page.

You will be required to pay the cost by credit card in full to the kennels before you can collect your dog.

You need to provide proof of identity such as a passport or driving licence, along with proof of address. Also bring any relevant identification relating to the dog such as a vaccination card, microchipping certificate and photographs.

Found dogs

Our dog wardens can collect a found dog from you and take them to our kennel we have a contract with. The dog will be kept there for seven days. After seven days the dog will become the responsibility of the kennel.

During busy periods the dog wardens may not be able to collect a dog until the following working day. Make sure that the dog is kept in a secure area and cannot escape. The dog will need water and food if possible. You need to be with the dog when we come to collect it.

If you cannot look after the dog until we arrive, you can take the dog to your local veterinary surgery to see whether it has an identification chip. This will contain the owners’ details.

We do not work during evenings, weekends or bank holidays. If you find a dog during one of these times please telephone 01274 433927 for further advice. ​​

Dangerous dogs

It is against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere, including public places, private property such as a garden and the owner's home.

The law applies to all dog breeds. They do not have to bite someone or be one of the known banned breeds to be considered as dangerous. A dog could be dangerously out of control if it:

• injures someone
• makes someone worried that it might injure them

You can report a dangerous dog and their owner to the Police on 999 if it is an emergency or on 101.

If your dog or any other domestic pet is attacked by another dog then you can take your own civil action against the owner of the dog and to claim vets fees. A solicitor should be able to advise you on this matter.

Stray dogs

The dog warden service will only investigate cases of a dog actually straying in a public place. Please ensure you know the name and address of the dog owner before you make a report.

If you report a stray dog you will be invited to provide evidence of the dog straying and may be required to be a witness if more formal action is taken against the owner of the straying dog.

Banned breeds

You should contact the Police on 101 to report any dog which you believe is a banned breed. 

In the UK these are the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and the Fila Brasileiro XL Bully. Cross breeds including any of those types of dog may also be banned, based on their size and characteristics.

General welfare

Animal neglect or cruelty

If you believe a dog is being kept in a poor environment or you believe that the dog is being treated cruelly, and as a result you are concerned for its welfare you should contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999

Dogs die in hot cars

We all love to get outside and enjoy the sunshine when comes out. However, for dog owners it’s very important to remember the hot weather might not be as much fun for our furry friends. Dogs heat up quickly and cool down very differently to humans and heatstroke can result in serious complications for dogs.

If you have any concerns regarding dogs that have been left in a car in hot weather you should contact the Police on 999 if it is an emergency or on 101.

Registering your dog

All dogs over eight weeks old must be microchipped by law Get your dog or cat microchipped - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

You need to keep information up to date, such as a change of contact details or address, or if you have sold your dog.

Warning If the dog is not chipped or details are not up to date, you could face a £500 fine.

Any dog that we come into contact with will be scanned for a microchip. If the dog is not microchipped we will issue an enforcement notice. This notice gives 21 days to take action.

You can find more information on microchipping on the dogs trust website

You will need to contact your local vet for more details on how to get your dog microchipped.

Collar and tags

It is also an offence for a dog to be in a public place without a collar and tag with the owners’ name and address on it.

Warning If your dog does not have these you can be fined up to £5,000.

Contact the Dog Wardens

You can contact the Dog Warden service using the link below which takes you to our My Requests system. You will need to register to do this if you have not used My Requests before.

We recommend using My Requests with a different web browser than Internet Explorer, such as Chrome or Safari.

Contact the Dog Warden service now