The ecology of stray dogs: A study of free-ranging urban ...
Out of Hours Stray Dogs Changes in Legislation
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Transcript of Out of Hours Stray Dogs Changes in Legislation
Out of Hours Stray Dogs
Changes in Legislation
Legislation• Environmental Protection Act 1990
s149,150- Duty for Local Authority to collect & detain stray dogs
• Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act 2005, Section 68- Termination of police responsibility for stray dogs.
• However Police retain responsibilities for dangerous dogs
• Commencement 6th April, 2008 Local Authority will have responsibility for stray dogs out of hours
• DEFRA Guidance- Outside office hours local authorities will be expected, where practicable, to provide a cost effective service where a stray dog can be taken and accepted.
Legislation (contd)
Options
• Extensive research across Country undertaken
• Consulted with Defra, CIEH, other LA’s
• Considered approaching Police to continue
• Wrote to all local Kennels & Vets
• Looked into building Council holding kennels at Council depots
Options (contd)
• Consulted with private Dog warden companies
• Consulted with neighbouring Welsh Authorities re: sharing
• Consulted with neighbouring English Authorities re: sharing
Considerations
• Monies from DEFRA (RSG) likely to be approx £10,000 (insufficient?)
• Timescale to get service in place by April 2008- short
• Police station front desks currently close 9- 10pm- LA’s to “mirror” this service
• Defra funding for reception only service not collection service
• Local evidence supports little
demand for service after 10pm
Considerations (contd)
• Kennels needs fit and proper person in attendance to supervise and deal with emergencies
• Wrexham central Police Station receives up to ~ 200 strays out of hours per year
• Travelling distances to kennels
• Health & Safety of public re: handling stray dog and transporting dog in car
Feedback
• Feedback only from 2 kennels- both 16 miles from Wrexham
• One could provide reception only
• One could provide reception and/ or collection service (our current kennel provider)
• Council built kennels- not feasible (time/costs/planning considerations)
Feedback (contd)
• Use of private dog warden service - very costly
• Neighbouring Welsh authorities not yet in a position to pursue potential for joint working arrangements
with Wrexham• Police not willing to continue – already discontinued
service
• Neighbouring English authorities willing to pursue potential for joint working arrangements
Aims
• To provide the best cost effective service up to 10pm, 7 days a week to residents of Wrexham:
Current Options
• To provide a reception service only at Acorn Kennels, Whitchurch
• To provide a reception service only at Farndon Kennels, Farndon
• Continue to negotiate working with neighbouring English authorities to share costs of a reception service or if practicable a collection and reception service
Observations
• By sharing costs with neighbouring English Authorities- may be able to come up with an enhanced service above DEFRA’s requirements and save money
• Good example of partnership working by working with other LA’s
Observations (contd)
• LA’s will have more control rather than sharing service with Police
• By collecting dogs- more likelihood of dogs getting to kennels
• By collecting dogs- less likelihood of H&S issues to public
• Reduce potential for cross
boundary issues by all using
same service
Current situation
• Provide an excellent daytime service compared with other Welsh Authorities. Collect OOH dogs daily from Police station• Press campaigns promoting responsible dog ownership
• Partnership working with RSPCA & Dogs Trust, and local groups, running subsidised chipping & neutering campaigns. (2007/8 250 dogs chipped, 120 neutered)
Future situation
• Plans for further responsible dog ownership campaigns as above
• Plans to further recover vet bills from dog owners
• Working with Trading
Standards & RSPCA
re: Animal Welfare Act