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Stray animals

Hertsmere Borough Council has a duty to collect and detain stray dogs and other animals.

Stray dogs

Safeguarding your dog

  • When in public places, you are required by law to put a collar on your dog. This should provide proper identification such as a tag or badge showing the name and address the dog’s owner.
  • The maximum penalty for not complying with this legislation is currently £2000. Any other form of identification such as a microchip or tattoo and any other information made available such as a telephone number or the dog's name are optional.
  • When at home always ensure that doors, gates and windows are kept shut. This can sometimes be challenging during school holidays when children are coming and going. It is, however, important to teach them to close gates rather than face a lost pet. Gardens should be secure and big enough to keep your dog safe and out of danger.

Our duty to you

  • We have a responsibility to collect and register all dogs found within the borough of Hertsmere between normal working hours 9.00 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank and public holidays).
  • Strays will be kept safely for up to seven days while we trace the owner.
  • Complaints about dogs will be responded to as quickly as possible - normally within two working days.
  • The dog warden will act in the strictest confidentiality and keep you informed about what they are doing.
    Where a complaint cannot be dealt with by the dog warden, the appropriate agency (e.g. the police or RSPCA) will be notified.
  • If we cannot identify or contact the owner immediately we will take the dog directly to our kennels. The dog will not be released until the necessary fees have been paid and the owner has provided us with proof of ownership of the dog and identification for themselves.
  • Please be aware that Hertfordshire Police are not longer responsible for accepting stray dogs.

Charges and fees for handling your lost dog

  • £25.00 seizure charge
  • £30.00 transport / administration charge
  • £15.00 per night kennel fee

What do I do if I find a stray dog?

The law (Environmental Protection Act 1990 Sec 150) requires you to return a stray dog to its owner or contact the local authority for the area in which the dog was found.

If you fail to do this then you may have committed an offence and could be liable to be convicted and fined.

Can I keep the dog?

If you want to keep the dog, then you must report the stray and supply us with your contact details and details of the dog. Our Dog Warden is required to keep a record of these details.

Appropriate enquiries will then be made to ensure that you are a suitable person to keep the dog.

If you are successful then you will be informed verbally and in writing. You are then legally obliged to keep the dog (if unclaimed by the owner) for not less than one month. Failure to comply with this obligation is a criminal offence.

How do I report a stray dog?

  • From 8.30am and 4pm Monday to Friday – contact Hertsmere’s Animal Warden on 020 8207 7435
  • After 5.15pm weekdays and weekends/public holidays – contact our out of hours service on 0845 300 0021

Our officer will make arrangements regarding collection of the dog.

Other Animals

Under the Animal Act 1971 the council can impound any livestock which has strayed onto council land.

The animals are only returned to their owners after payment for any damages and expenses incurred.

To report a lost or found animal please, contact the council on 020 8207 2277 or email environmental.health@hertsmere.gov.uk.