31 March 2008, 08/79
Council takes the lead in collection of
strays
Following changes in the law, which come into effect from 6
April, the District Council will have full responsibility for the
collection of stray dogs.
Until now the Council has shared
responsibility with Lancashire Constabulary for the control of
stray dogs, but the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 changes
that.
In the run up to the 6 April, West Lancashire
District Council has been taking steps to make sure that a stray
dog service will be available seven days a week, including Bank
Holidays.
The Council has teamed up with Leigh Dogs and
Cats Home to provide this service and so anyone who has found and
holds a stray dog can call the Council's main switchboard on 01695
577177 to arrange collection. Calls can be received up to 9pm in
the evening on weekdays and between 8am-7pm at weekends and Bank
Holidays.
This means that anyone who finds a stray dog
can contact the Council, who will then arrange for the dog to be
collected directly from the finder. This service aims to respond to
every case within an hour, but the finder must remain with the
stray dog.
David Tilleray, West Lancashire District
Council's Executive Manager for Community Services, said: "By
working with Leigh Dogs and Cats Home, the Council has been able to
extend its current stray dog service to offer those who find a
stray dog an improved out-of-hours service. Previously, any person
who found a stray dog out of office hours would either have to take
care of it or take it to Ormskirk or
Skelmersdale Police Stations, which was
not always convenient, particularly for those residing in the
northern parts of the District. Under the new arrangements, an
effective door-to-door service will be provided.
"The change in the law does not, however,
oblige the Council to provide a search and collect service outside
of normal office hours, and only dogs that are being held by people
finding them will be collected.
"The change in the law does not affect
existing responsibilities for dangerous dogs, which are spilt
between the Council and Lancashire Constabulary."
Related information
> Dog
control
> Report a
stray