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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.

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Out of Hours Stray Dogs Changes in Legislation

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  1. Out of Hours Stray Dogs Changes in Legislation

  2. 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

  3. Legislation (contd) • 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.

  4. 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

  5. Options (contd) • Consulted with private Dog warden companies • Consulted with neighbouring Welsh Authorities re: sharing • Consulted with neighbouring English Authorities re: sharing

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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)

  9. 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

  10. Aims • To provide the best cost effective service up to 10pm, 7 days a week to residents of Wrexham:

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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)

  15. 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

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