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We aim to deal with problems caused by the four main symptoms of irresponsible dog ownership:
- noisy dogs
- aggressive dogs
- dog fouling
- straying dogs
The first time a dog is caught straying, the wardens will try to trace the owners and return it.
Any other stray will be kept safely for up to seven days. Any complaints about dogs will be responded to as quickly as possible, but always within five working days. The warden will act in the strictest confidentiality and keep you informed about what they are doing.
More information about Stray Dogs
Some complaints cannot be dealt with by us. These will be passed quickly to the appropriate agency (e.g. the police or RSPCA).
The Wardens will ensure the council's legal duties are met, so far as dogs are concerned. They will also regularly patrol areas covered by dog related by-laws, and put up anti-dog fouling signage where needed. If you have any questions or complaints, please contact us (see Contact Details section).
Tag your dog!
Your dog must wear a tag by law when out in a public place. The first time we catch your dog straying we will return it to you, free of charge. But we can only do this if it is wearing a tag, or is microchipped.
If we catch a stray dog, and we can't trace the owner, we will keep it in boarding kennels at your expense. If you do not collect your dog within seven days, you will lose the right to reclaim it, and we will try to re-home it.
Fouling legislation
The Dog (fouling of land) Act 1996
The Dog (fouling of land) Act 1996 came into force on 1 May 1997. This Act means that it is illegal to fail to clear up after your dog if it fouls any land which is open to the air and to which the public have access. The penalty for contravening the Act can be an "on the spot" fine or prosecution in the magistrates court.
You may purchase, at cost price, biodegradable plastic "Doggy Bags" from the public offices of the council. Again, phone for further details.
The Safer Neighbourhood Warden Service:
- responds to all complaints as soon as possible but always within five working days.
- collects and return your stray dog free of charge the first time it is collected, provided it has a collar and address tag.
- collects all other strays and keeps them safely for a maximum of seven days for collection by the owner (subject to the payment of a fee). We then work with local Re-homing charities and have an excellent record of successful home placements.
- provides supplies of award winning "doggy bags" to dog owners.
- enforces dog-related by-laws and the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996.
- Provides a microchipping service in promotion of responsible ownership
Contact details
South Derbyshire District Council
Environmental Health
Civic Offices
Civic Way
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 0AH
Tel: 01283 595795
Online: contact form
email: environmental.health@south-derbys.gov.uk
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