Home / Environment / Animal welfare / Dog Control Service
Dog Control Service
Responsible dog ownership
Micro-chipping
Fouling
Lost dogs
Stray dogs
Dangerous or vicious dogs
Noisy dogs
Rehoming your dog
Contact the Council's Dog Control Service
Responsible dog ownership
Collar and tags:
- It is a legal requirement for a dog to wear a collar and tag in a public place. The information required on the tag is the address and contact details of the owner. Failure to do so could result in a fine.
- Have more than one tag engraved at a time so you can replace a lost tag immediately. Many dogs are picked up by the Council having only recently lost their tag and are waiting to have a replacement.
- Never put your dogs name on the tag.
- Write your contact details on the inside of your dogs collar, just in case the tag falls off.
- Keep your dogs collar and tag on at all times. Avoid removing it when at home.
Training your dog:
- Dogs should attend dog-training classes with their owners to encourage good and proper behaviour when out in public places. Correct training will reduce the risk of your dog running off when not on lead and will also help with interaction between dogs and people.
- Teach your dog to always come to you when called and continue to practise when he goes out of sight while on a walk.
- Even if your dog is friendly, do not allow it to jump up at people or at other dogs, they may be fearful of your dog.
- Be aware that not all dogs like each other. If you see a strange dog nearby, never assume it will get on with your dog.
- Do not allow your dog to chase other dogs or children.
Micro-chipping
It is strongly recommended by the Council's Dog Control Service that you have your dog micro-chipped. The process only takes a few moments, is virtually pain-free and is there for life. The micro-chip contains a unique number that corresponds with the dog's address and owners contact details, recorded at the same time the micro-chip is fitted. The details are stored on a central database.
If your dog is picked up as a stray, it is scanned by a dog warden or vet for it's unique number. The details are then retrieved from the database allowing the dog to be returned to its owner. Remember to update your records if you move house or transfer ownership of your pet.
Book a micro-chipping service at a cost of £18 per animal. Cats, rabbits and ferrets can also be micro-chipped. Contact the Council's Dog Control Service for more information.
- Your dog is still required to wear an identity tag even when micro-chipped.
- Have a tag attached to your dog's collar to state that it is micro-chipped. This way a member of public may then take your dog to a place where it can be scanned.
- Keep your dog's microchip number on your mobile phone along with the microchip company's number. This way you can call the company as soon as possible to report your dog as missing.
- Remember to update your details when you move house, as your dog will be registered to the last known address.
- Ask your vet to scan the dog on each visit to check that the chip is still functioning properly.
- If you have been given the registration forms when your dog was micro-chipped, ensure that they are sent off as soon as possible. Your dog will not be registered if you still have the forms.
Fouling
Fouling is not a crime. FAILURE TO PICK IT UP is the crime. You could be given a £50 fixed penalty ticket by the Council or taken to a Magistrates' Court and fined up to £1,000 if you fail to clear up after your dog that has fouled in a public place. This applies to almost everywhere except agricultural and forestry land.
Dogs mess is unpleasant and dangerous as it can spread disease. It is also one of the most common complaints caused by dog owners.
- Teach your dog to go to the toilet in your garden, this will then reduce the amount of poop scooping when out in a public place.
- Teach your dog to toilet on command. This way, you can plan where your dog goes and will not miss any accidents.
- Always carry more than one poop bag. Your dog may be caught short more than once on a walk.
- Do not walk your dog in public places if it is unwell with an upset tummy. It will be difficult to clear it up and will pass on infection to other dogs.
Lost dogs
If you have lost your dog, contact the Council's Dog Control Service as it may have been seized as a stray and taken to kennels. Also make contact with your local police station, vets and rescue kennels and centres.
Some organisations to try are:
Battersea at Brands Hatch - 01474 874994
RSPCA - Advice Line 0300 1234 555 / Cruelty Line 0300 1234 999
Last Chance Animal Rescue - 01732 865530
Doglost.co.uk - 0844 8003220 or e-mail admin@doglost.co.uk
Also, report your lost dog to other local authorities bordering Sevenoaks District.
If you think your dog has been stolen:
- Report it to the police as soon as possible.Get in touch with the Dog Control Service, local vets, neighbouring local authorities, rescue centres and the micro-chip company as soon as you can.
- Ensure that you have an up to date photo of your dog that will help with identification.
- Put up posters/flyers in the area where your dog was last seen, include libraries, local shops, vet surgeries and dog training clubs.
- Keep in contact with all the organisations that you have reported your dog to.
Keeping your dog safe:
- Never tie your dog outside a shop.
- Never leave your dog unattended in a car.
- Never allow your dog to go out on its own at any time.
- Never ask a stranger to keep an eye on your dog.
- Never lose sight of your dog while on a walk.
- Do not assume that your dog will come back to you if out of sight.
- Be aware of strangers, especially so if they are asking questions about your dog.
- Ensure your fencing is adequate and secure.
- Regularly check on your dog when it is alone in the garden.
- Never offer a reward for the return of your dog.
- Beware of unknown vehicles visiting or around your property. If need be, take a note of the vehicle and number plate.
Stray dogs
The Council will seize any dog they believe to be straying. It can be held in kennels for up to seven days and if not claimed by the eighth day the dog can be legally re-homed.
If the Council can identify the dogs owner (via a collar, microchip or tattoo) and make contact with the owner a 'return to owner fee' will be payable at a rate of £25.
If it is not possible to identify the owner, the dog will then be taken to kennels. When a dog is reclaimed, the owner will be responsible for any costs involved which can include a Government fine, costs incurred by the Council's Dog Control Service are currently £71, plus any kennelling and or vets fees.
If you find a stray dog you should contact Sevenoaks District Council's Dog Control Service immediately on 01732 227000.
Arrangements will be made to collect the dog between 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday or 9am to 4.45pm on a Friday. The Dog Control Officer will make every effort to reunite the dog with its owner as soon as possible. If they are unable to do so they will take the dog to kennels.
If you find a stray dog, try to keep it contained in a secure place until it can be collected.
Give the Dog Control Officer as much information about the dog and where it was found, they may already have had a report of it being lost.
Do not feed the dog if being collected by the Dog Control Officer, some dogs do not travel well and and become more distressed with a full tummy.
Do offer water to the dog.
Do not give the dog to anyone who says that the dog is theirs, but they cannot prove it. Take their details, then the Dog Control Officer will ascertain proof of ownership.
Dangerous or vicious dogs
There is a requirement to keep any dog under control, not to put a person in fear of being bitten or of having another dog or animal attacked as well as specific guidelines for keeping and controlling some types of dogs contained in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
Contact the police if a dog attacks you, or Sevenoaks District Council's Dog Control Service for any other issues
If your dog has aggressive tendencies, avoid places where there are other dogs and people.
Keep it on lead and under control at all times.
If you see a dog acting in an aggressive manner, avoid approaching it, try leave the area in a calm manner, keep your own dog on lead and under control, keep your children close to you.
Never run away from, shout at or tease an aggressive dog.
Noisy dogs
Barking comes naturally to dogs, but the constant barking or whining of a dog can be disturbing or annoying for the neighbours. Often the problem occurs when the dog's owner is out of the house and so the owner doesn't know until someone complains. In law, a barking dog can be a noise nuisance which can be investigated under the Environmental Protection Act.
There are many reasons why a dog barks:
Loneliness
Boredom or frustration
Attention seeking
Defending its territory
Medical problem
Dogs are social animals and enjoy company. If at all possible, try not to leave your dog alone for long periods. Barking can soon become an uncontrollable habit. Try to:
Feed and exercise your dog before you go out
Make sure its bed or basket is comfortable
Leave its favourite toys
Check that the room is not too hot or cold
Check that there is adequate ventilation
Get a neighbour or relative to visit during the day
Leave a radio on at a reasonable sound level
Leave a light on if you are coming back after dark
Teach your dog to cope without you for short periods
Change/vary your routine of leaving and coming home.
Seek help from a behaviourist or dog trainer
Further help and information is available from the Council's Dog Control Service or try the following web sites:
The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors or Pet Advisory Committee
DEFRA has issued two leaflets that offer guidance to dog owners:
Constant Barking can be avoided
Is Your Dog Barking Too Much?
www.direct.gov.uk - for Animal and Welfare Advice
Rehoming your dog
If you can no longer care for your dog, the Council's Dog Control Service can provide you with advice on how to rehome them.
Organisations which may be able to help are:
Battersea at Brands Hatch - 01474 874994
RSPCA - 08705 555999
Last Chance - 01732 865530
Rescued Animals in Need (R.A.I.N)
In exceptional circumstances the Council may be able to accept your dog as a gift and undertake to rehome it. All reasonable steps will be taken to ensure the new home is long lasting. However, there may be a charge for this service.
No dog will go for animal research and all contacts will be subject to home checks before being released by our charity contacts.
You can contact the Council's Dog Control Service for more information on any of the above services via email environmental.protection@sevenoaks.gov.uk or by telephone on 01732 227000.
07 October 2008
