Dogs and the Dog Warden Service

Find out about stray dogs, lost dogs, dog fouling and much more

The Council's Dog Warden's duties include:

• Dealing with stray dogs
• Enforcing collar and tag legislation
• Enforcing dog fouling legislation
• Provision of "no fouling" signs and dog waste bins
• Picking up dead dogs from the road
• Giving advise on responsible dog ownership  

The Dog Warden is usually available from 8.30am to 5.00 pm Monday to Thursday and Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Please contact: 01626 215881 or 01626 215859 or E-mail environment.standards@teignbridge.gov.uk

Stray Dogs

From 6th April 2008 the law changes for dealing with stray dogs. It will solely be the responsibility of the District Council and the police will no longer be involved.

If you find a stray dog at anytime please contact the Dog Warden who will arrange to collect it during the above office hours. Out of hours please call 01626 361101 and follow the out of hours instructions.

If you have lost your dog please contact the Dog Warden to report it.  A log will be made so that if your dog is found the Dog Warden can reunite you with your pet.

What happens to stray dogs?

If the dog has identification, e.g. collar & tag, micro chip or tattoo every effort will be made to contact the owner and reunite them.  If the dog cannot be identified it will be taken to a boarding kennels.  If the dog is not claimed within 8 days the ownership of the dog transfers to the Council and the kennels arrange for re-homing.

No dogs are put to sleep except for reasons of severe illness or aggressive behaviour.

Identifying Your Dog

It is a legal requirement that your dog wears a collar and tag with your name and address on it.

Many owners now have their dogs `micro chipped'.  This is a chip the size of a grain of rice that is inserted just below the skin between the shoulder blades.  The micro chip will hold all the contact details of the owner and has its own unique number which is held on a national database. Your local vet will normally offer this service at a standard charge.

Dog Fouling

Dog fouling is a serious offence.  The Dog Warden will investigate complaints of dog fouling, patrol problem areas and prosecute offenders.

Under The Dog (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 it is an offence to not clear up after a dog. If you are caught you will be issued with a fixed penalty of £50.00. Failure to pay could result in court action and an increased fine.

Help your Council make the District Cleaner and Safe

What do I do if I see someone not clearing up after their dog?

Make a note of the date, time and place that it happened

Note as much information about the dog and its owner, if you can their address or a car registration

Contact the Dog Warden or the Council to report it on any of the above numbers or by e-mail

Dog Waste Bins & "No Fouling" Signs

There are many dog waste bins around the district - please use them!

Most of dog waste bins are emptied weekly, with some that are in our parks and beach areas being emptied more frequently.  To see how often the dog bin in your area is emptied please see the download on this page.  If you see a dog waste bin that needs emptying please contact us.

Dog waste can be put into litter bins and at home in the black landfill bin. Please do not throw bags of dog waste into hedges or undergrowth.

If you would like some "No Fouling" signs put up where you live please contact the Dog Warden.

Dangerous and Aggressive Dogs

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 it is an offence to allow a dog to be dangerously out of control. The dog does not have to bite someone, and it includes a dog that is considered to be acting in a threatening manner. The owner of any dog that is found to act in this way can be prosecuted by the Police.

This can result in fines of up to £2000 and/or 6 months imprisonment, or up to 2 years if someone is injured. The courts may place a court order on the dog, restrict the owners future ability to keep dogs or order the destruction of the dog.

Dangerous dogs or dogs that worry livestock are dealt with as criminal offences by the Police, not the Council.

The Dog Warden will give advice on dealing with dangerous and aggressive dogs.

Dead Dogs

Unfortunately some dogs fall victim of traffic and are killed on the roads. This can be very distressing. The Dog Warden will pick up dead dogs that have been found on the road so we can try and trace their owner.

Other dead animals that are on the road are collected by the Blitz Team from the Teignbridge Services Department.  To report a dead animal please contact 01626 215838 or ts@teignbridge.gov.uk.

Responsible Dog Ownership

• Train your dog in basic obedience so it is under control
• Make sure your dog has a collar and identification tag. It is an offence to fail to do this. 
• Always clear up after your dog has fouled, always have a plastic bag (biodegradable if possible) ready when you walk your dog
• Make sure your dog is kept on a lead when in public
• Do not allow your dog to stray. There are financial penalties if your dog is picked up by a Dog Warden and taken to the kennels
• Take your dog to the vet regularly for it's vaccinations
• Ensure your dog receives a healthy well-balanced diet and plenty of exercise
• Worm your dog regularly and groom it frequently. Check for fleas on your dog and seek your vet's advice for treatment
• If you do not want your dog to have puppies, make sure it is neutered