Where can I get advice/help about dog welfare problems?

We can supply advice or help on the following:

Cruelty

If you think an animal is being physically mistreated contact the RSPCA on 01273 554218. If you are worried because the dog is howling or sounds distressed it may be that the dog is bored or lonely. Telephone 01273 484354 with details of the owners address, and discuss the problem with our Animal Wardens. They may be able to resolve the matter with helpful advice or referral to a pet behaviourist.

Training

Basic advice can be given by the Wardens and contact numbers of local dog clubs and pet behaviourists can be provided.

Neutering

Help can be provided by way of referral via a Rescue Organisation. However you will only qualify if you are in receipt of one of the following benefits:

• Job Seekers Allowance (Unemployment Benefit)
• Working Families Tax Credit (Family Credit)
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support

Please telephone 01273 484354 for further information.

Re-homing

Our Animal Wardens can help with re-homing some household pets. Dogs can only be re-homed if they are of sound temperament. The Council is not a rescue organisation but we do work closely with Rescue Centres to help in these instances. We also carry out Home Checks for these organisations before dogs are placed with new owners. Please telephone 01273 484354 for further information.

Dead/Injured Dogs

If a dog has been involved in a road traffic accident/other incident telephone 01273 484354 with exact details of the location of the dog and our Animal Wardens will respond as quickly as possible. If the dog is injured it will be taken to a local vet for treatment and then placed in suitable Kennels. Attempts will be made to locate the owner but if, after 7 days the owner has not been located, the dog will be re-homed. If the incident has resulted in the dog's death, the Wardens will collect the animal and take it to a local Veterinary Surgery. Attempts will be made to locate the owner but if this is not possible the Council will, after 7 days, organise suitable burial arrangements. If the owner is located the Council will seek to retrieve any costs it has incurred.