That is FACT! Stray dogs are being found, but the finder fails to report the found dog to the local authority dog wardens. Many finders are being misguided by inaccurate, exaggerated information being circulated on social networking websites, most of it based on rumour and speculation. But in some cases there is actually a hidden agenda.

So we are now going to try and educate finders based on experience and fact!

Members of the public, rescues, vets, groomers, ANYONE finding a stray dog has a legal obligation to report that stray dog to the local authority dog warden in the area in which the dog was found. NO-ONE is above this law, failure to do so, can and will result in the finder being prosecuted for "theft by finding".

REPORT IT!

So you witness a dog being let out from a car........your first assumption will be its an owner dumping their dog.

But can you be SURE that the person releasing the dog from the car is the owner? Or could that person have found the dog further down the road, attempted to get the dog to safety, but it didnt work out. The dog could have misbehaved in the vehicle and the driver had no choice but to release the dog back onto the streets. Don't assume the dog is an abandonment.

REPORT IT!

So you come across a dog tied to a lamp post, fence, park bench.......again first instinct will be "the dog has been dumped"

Again can you be 100% certain the dog has been abandoned? No you cant, we do get calls from people who have found a dog on their way to work, interview, school or college, they dont have the time to hang around making calls and waiting for wardens to arrive. So they simply secure the dog the best they can and continue on their journey. Dont assume this dog is an abandonment, it could very well be a genuine stray dog!

REPORT IT!

All stray dogs collected by local authority dog wardens and entering the local stray kennelling facility are held for 7 clear waiting days allowing time for owners to reclaim.

All stray dogs collected by local authority dog wardens and entering the local stray kennelling facility are immediately destroyed.

Far from the real truth, there is only one reason why a dog will be put to sleep during the 7 days......SERIOUS ILL HEALTH and it will only be done on the advice of a vet who believes a dog is suffering.

All stray dogs are destroyed once they have served the 7 clear waiting days.

The majority of unclaimed stray dogs are assessed and then go on to find new loving homes. We wont lie, there are times when dogs are put to sleep, but rest assured it is not on a whim and there will be genuine reasons.

You find a dog that is underweight, has a skin condition, or some other complaint.......is it really neglect?

Consider these few facts before jumping to conclusions that a dog has been neglected. The dog may have been straying for a period of time. The dog may have a known illness that is being treated. The dog could have been mistreated in a former home and has only just entered its new home and escaped? If the found dog is reported and an owner comes forward to claim and neglect can be proven, the wardens can ensure that an owner is prosecuted. 

REPORT IT!

If you lost your dog, who would you contact first?

THE LOCAL DOG WARDEN! So if you find a stray and now you know the FACTS

REPORT IT!