Animals - Stray

What is a Stray Dog?

If you let your dog out on its own onto public roads or a public place like a park, it is a stray. We have a duty to seize and detain any dog found without its owner, that is considered to be a stray.

What happens next?

Dog owners have by law to ensure that whenever their dog goes out into a public place it must wear  a collar, with the owner’s name, address and telephone number, if there is one, clearly marked. Even if your dog carries an identi-chip or ear tattoo you are still required by law to provide your dog with a collar bearing the correct identification mark.

If we can identify the owner quickly we can contact them and tell them we have found their dog. If we are successful there is normally no charge for a first offence.  If we fail to contact the owner, or the dog carried no identification, then it will be taken to the kennels. If possible we will then write to the owner telling them where their pet is, they will then be able to pick it up once they have paid, in full, the fines and any other costs that are due.

What do I do if I find a Stray?

You can do one of two things:-

1. Return it to the owner at once.
2. Take it to the dog warden or the police.

During working hours Torbay Council’s Dog Wardens will come out and pick up the dog for you. They can be contacted by telephone on (01803) 208122.  The police will not pick up a dog. During working hours they will contact our dog wardens. Otherwise they will call the kennels who will pick up the dog from a police station.

If you would like to keep the dog if it is not claimed, tell the dog warden or the police and this will be considered. But it is against the law to just keep the animal and action could be taken against you if you do?

At the kennels

Details are entered into the public register of stray dogs.  Kennel staff will examine the dog and contact a vet if required and scan the dog to check if it has an identi-chip.  The dog will be held for eight clear days for the owner to claim it. After this time it is taken over by an animal charity who pay for it to be cared for at the kennel until a good home can be found for it. Sadly it may be necessary to put the dog to sleep but this is a very rare thing in Torbay, and almost all of the dogs that are not claimed are re-homed.  Unclaimed dogs are only put to sleep if they are too sick or too dangerous to be re-homed and this is only done on the advice of a vet.

How do I re-claim a stray dog?

Contact Foredowne Kennels at Kingskerswell to check if your dog is with them.  The kennels are open every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day from 9.00 am to 5.00 p.m.  Find out how much there is to pay to get the dog released. Check that the kennels will be open at the time you want to pick up the dog.  Take proof of your identity with you

Sign a release form stating that you own the dog, or that you have the owner’s consent to claim the animal. Details of the owner’s name and address must be given.  Pay the release fee to the kennels, either in cash or by cheque backed by a guarantee card. This will cover the fine for the dog straying plus all costs involved with the pick-up and care of the dog  Remember the dog is the responsibility of Torbay Council and the kennels will not release it unless all of the above conditions are complied with.

Where can I obtain further information?

Contact the Environmental Protection team, the Police or Foredowne Kennels for further information on stray animals and dogs using the details below:

• Devon & Cornwall Police - 0990 777 444
• Foredowne Kennels

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