10/03/2010 - The Stray Animal Fine

 

Bath Cats and Dogs Home is committed to rescuing, re-habilitating and re-homing abandoned animals.

Hundreds of animals arriving at our doors, particularly over the last year, have come in as strays. In the light of complaints received from pet owners about the imposed stray release fine we would like to outline stray dog guidelines issued by the Government.
 
Over the last few months numerous pet owners collecting their escaped dogs or cats from the rescue centre have challenged the £25 stray fine and have accused the animal charity of levying the fine on its own terms in order to raise funds for the Home. Bath Cats and Dogs Home would like to clarify the procedures on stray dogs to dispel any rumours regarding its independent levying of fines on pet owners.
 
BANES website, which outlines Animal Welfare Guidelines under Section 149 of the Government’s Environmental Protection Act 1990 states: “Every local authority must appoint an officer i.e. a Dog Warden, for the purpose of dealing with stray dogs found in the area of the authority.  A stray dog is any dog in a public place on its own.

The Dog Warden will pick up any stray dog.  Where possible, the dog will be returned to its owner if the Dog Warden can identify the dog.  In all other cases the dog will be taken to the Council Kennels, i.e. Bath Cats and Dogs Home, for the Bath and surrounding areas, and its details will be entered onto the dog register. A photo will also be taken of the dog.
The dog owner will have seven clear days in which to reclaim their dog.  The owner will have to pay a statutory fixed fee of £25 set by the government, and any other charges for kennelling and administration.  The total charges must be paid in full before the dog can be released to its owner.  There is no method of paying by instalment.
 
 
Any dog that is not reclaimed within the seven clear days then becomes the property of the local authority.  The dog will then be gifted to the local rescue organisation, which in turn will re-home the dog.  In all cases every effort is made to find new homes for unclaimed strays regardless of age and condition.  Bath and North East Somerset Council have a non-destruction policy, although if a dog is in such a condition so as to make it unfit for re-homing, a vet may recommend its destruction.”

Bath Cats and Dogs Home recommends micro-chipping cats, dogs and rabbits to ensure strays can be quickly reconciled with their owners.

For more information, please contact Bath Cats and Dogs Home on: 01225 787321 or visit www.bcdh.org.uk or http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/BathNES/environmentandplanning/animalwelfare/Dogs/EPA1990S149.htm
 
 
 

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