Local councils are legally responsible for dealing with stray dogs under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. We also deal with the administration of the dog fouling laws and initial complaints about barking dogs.
Stray dogs seized are kept for a minimum of seven days before they are given to Wallace Kennels for re-homing.
Dog owners have a responsibility under the Animals Act 1971 to prevent their dogs from straying or causing injury or damage. A dog is required by law to have a collar and a dog identification tag with the owner’s name and address, and to be microchipped with the owner’s contact details.
What to do if you find a stray dog
Return the dog to the owner, if possible. The owner’s address or telephone number should be on the collar or someone locally may know who owns the dog.
During office hours - If you can't contact the owner, call us on 01277 312500 and give details of the dog and where it can be collected.
Outside office hours - Wallace Kennels may be able to accept the dog though they can't arrange collections. Make sure to call them on 01277 821032 before transporting any animal.
What to do if you have lost your dog
Call us on 01277 312500 and provide as much detail about the dog as possible - breed, colour, age, sex, distinguishing features, collar, tag and any other features - and where and when it went missing.
You can call Wallace Kennels on 01277 821032 to check whether the dog has been handed in to them by a member of the public.
There are online services which may help you find your missing pet that are not associated with the Council:
How to reclaim your dog if it has been found
If your dog has been collected by us, a charge will be made for its release, which will include a seizure fee and a kennelling fee.
Fees
The fees are £75 dog warden fee, plus £25 fine and a daily kennelling charge of £15.
You must pay the fees and charges at the time of collection, by cash or cheque supported by a valid cheque guarantee card. To make a payment by phone using your debit or credit card, call the council on 01277 312500. There is no facility at the kennels for payment by credit or debit card.
To check opening times and arrange a collection, you can call them on 01277 821032.
Dogs can be collected from:
Wallace Kennels
Clapgate Estate
Stondon Massey
Brentwood
CM15 0LH
What you can do to help
- Maintain fences and gates to stop your dog getting out
- Train your dog so that it is under your control at all times
- Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with your phone number and address
- Get your dog chipped and registered through your local veterinary surgeon