A Dog Owner's Responsibility

Image of a dog Every dog owner has a responsibility to ensure that their pet does not cause a nuisance to others. This means that as the owner you must comply with certain laws, most of these are straight forward and are there to ensure that people and dogs can live happily and safely in the community.

This information has been compiled to advise dog owners of their responsibilities and how best to carry them out.

Stray Dogs
Surrey Heath's Dog Warden Service is called out nearly every day of the week to seize dogs which have been allowed to run free in public areas without proper control.

Of course most stray dogs are lost pets who need re-uniting with their owners, but there are unfortunately some owners who allow their dogs to stray again and again.

On any one day in the UK there are around 500,000 stray dogs. These cause road accidents, nuisance from fouling and attacks on other dogs and people.

Environmental Protection Act 1990
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 all local Councils are required to collect stray dogs. A stray dog is any dog in a public place on its own.

Any dog found straying will be picked up by the Dog Warden. Where it is possible to immediately identify the owners of the dog it will be returned to the owner (i.e. if the dog has a Pet-ID chip), there is a fixed penalty of £63.00 (office hours) and £83.00 (out of hours). In all other cases the dog will first be registered and then taken to the Council kennels until claimed. A dog owner has up to 7 days to claim back their pet. The owner will have to pay a fixed fee set by the Government plus all kennelling fees incurred. The total charges have to be paid in full before a dog can be returned.

Any dog that is not claimed within seven days will be rehomed or passed on to an appropriate rescue organisation. Every effort is made to find new homes for unclaimed strays regardless of age and destruction would only be on our vets advice, The Council maintains Registers for both lost and found dogs which help to re-unite dogs and owners.

Dogs on Roads
The Borough of Surrey Heath Borough Council (Control of Dogs on Roads Order) 1992 make it an offence for any dog to be on or near a designated road without being held on a lead.

Pet-ID or Microchip
If your pet goes missing the international network of scanners held by local authority Dog Wardens, Veterinary Practices and other animal welfare organisations such as the RSPCA will be able to identify your pets unique chip number. The 24 hour central database, PetLog will be contacted and your pets microchip number will confirm your address. The charge for this is £21 and the Dog Warden will go to their home to microchip the dog.

Collar and Tag
The easiest way of ensuring the safe return of your dog is to provide your dog with a collar and tag. Under the Control of Dogs Order 1993 every dog while in a public place must wear a collar with the name and address of its owner inscribed on it or on a disc attached to it. Failure to do so could result in prosecution and a fine of up to £2,000.

Lost Dogs
If you lose your dog you should contact Surrey Heath Borough Council on (01276) 707100 to see if your dog has been picked up. You should also contact the out of hours Dog Warden Service (Dog Busters) via 01276 707100 to check if the dog has been handed into them.

Information
Dog owners have a long-term responsibility to their dogs to ensure that they are cared for properly, that they are brought up in the correct environment, are properly trained, and receive the necessary veterinary treatment.

Key points in Responsible Dog Ownership

Train your dog in basic obedience so it is under control at all times.
Train your dog to go to the toilet at home - if your pet accidentally fouls in public make sure that you clean it up.
Always have a poop scoop or plastic bag ready when you walk your dog.
Make sure your dog is kept on a lead when in public. It is an offence for your dog to roam the streets. There are financial penalties if your dog is picked up by a dog warden and impounded.
Take your dog to the vet regularly for it's vaccinations.
Ensure your dog receives a healthy well-balanced diet and plenty of exercise. A healthy pet is a happy pet and a happy pet is a loving companion.
Don't let your dog become a nuisance to your neighbours.
Make sure your dog has a collar and tag.
Worm your dog regularly and groom it frequently. Check for fleas on your dog and seek your vet's advice for treatment. The Council's Pest Control Section can carry out treatment on your property.
If you do not want your dog to have pups, make sure it is neutered.