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Stray animals

We have a duty under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 section 149 to collect and detain stray dogs.  We also have the power to dispose of the dogs if they remain unclaimed.  In the vast majority of circumstances unclaimed dogs are re-homed.

To report a lost animal, please use the contact details at the bottom of this page.

When dealing with stray dogs we will take into account:

  • the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 
  • the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 
  • the Control of Dogs Order 1992 
  • the Protection of Animals Act 1911 
  • the Abandonment of Animals Act 1960 
  • any other relevant legislation

If you find a stray dog, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 Sec 150 says that you must:

  • return the dog to its owner; or 
  • contact the local authority for the area in which the dog was found; or 
  • take the dog to the police station nearest to where the dog was found.

If you don't do one of these things, you may get a fine.

If you would like to keep the dog, you must supply the officer with contact details and details of the dog. The officer has to keep a record of these details.

Regulations require that the officer makes appropriate enquiries to make sure that you are a suitable person to keep the dog.

You must then be informed verbally and in writing that you should keep the dog (if unclaimed by the owner) for not less than one month and that failure to comply is a criminal offence.

To report a lost animal, please use the contact details below.

Standard: We will investigate specific complaints about dangerous dogs on the same working day. We will also collect strays on the same working day when they are reported during working hours.



Standard: We will investigate non-urgent cases within five working days.

What do I do if I have lost my dog?

Straying dogs will normally be rounded up and taken to the council kennels. Please contact us using the details below and we will tell you if a dog matching the description you give has been collected.

Before we can let you have your dog back, you will have to pay a fee to cover kennelling, any veterinary fees and our administration costs. You must also arrange to collect the dog from the kennels. 

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

Page ref: LGSL 575

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