What is classed as a stray?
If a dog is allowed out in a public place and is not under the
handler's direct control, i.e. on a lead or under the close control
of the handler, it is classed as a stray and could be collected by
the Dog Warden.
Please look after your dog carefully, you should not let it out,
even if it is only for a short time. A stray dog can be a danger to
itself and others and risks collection by the Dog Control Service.
Persistent offenders also risk prosecution.
How to report a stray dog
You can report a stray dog in two ways:
When reporting a stray dog, please provide as much information
as possible to help the Dog Warden, like:
- location of the dog
- description of the dog - breed, size and colour
- date and time when the dog was seen
- was the dog injured or in danger e.g. roaming near a busy
road
- was the dog showing any signs of aggression
- any information regarding the dog's owner
If you are unable to provide this information, it will reduce
our chances of finding the dog, and we will endeavour to find the
animal as part of our routine patrols.
What happens to a stray and lost dogs?
Stray dogs found within the district are taken to Leigh Dogs and Cats Home
(external link), where they are cared for until they can be
reunited with their owners. The Council is obliged to keep all
stray dogs for a maximum of 7 days. If any dog is not claimed
within the 7 day period, then the dog can be re-homed.
Leigh Dogs and Cats Home is located at Graveoak, East Lancashire
Road, Leigh, Lancashire WN7 3SE. Tel: 01942 671215.
Please note that a charge is made to all owners/keepers for the
return of their dog from the kennels. All dogs claimed within the
the 7 day period the charge is £50.00. Owners who
allow their dog(s) to repeatedly stray will face an increased
charge of £100.00.
Out of hours stray dogs
From the 6 April 2008, the Council took full responsibility for
stray dogs.
The Council has teamed up with Leigh Dogs and
Cats Home to provide an out of office hours service so anyone who
has found and holds a stray dog can call the Council’s main
switchboard on 01695 577177 to arrange collection.
Calls can be received up to 9pm in the evening
on weekdays and between 8.00am-7.00pm at weekends and Bank
Holidays.
This means that anyone who finds a stray dog can contact the
Council, who will then arrange for the dog to be collected directly
from the finder. This service aims to respond to every case within
an hour, but the finder must remain with the stray dog.
Dogs collected out of hours are taken to Leigh Dogs and Cats
Home for the statutory 7 day period.