Heathfield Vets voices concern over latest stray dog policy

Concern over new council stray dog policy

A change in policy means that members of the public can no longer take stray dogs to their local vets and have the vet notify the council to arrange collection via Animal Warden Ltd. Anyone finding a stray dog is now responsible for contacting the Animal Wardens Ltd and arranging collection. This might prove difficult for someone who is just trying to be caring and helpful.

Donne Stam from Heathfield Vets explained:

“We are very concerned by Wealden and Rother Council’s position that their contract with Animal Wardens Ltd means  that unlike other local authorities, they will no longer collect stray dogs from veterinary practices. In some cases, the safest place for a stray dog to be is a veterinary practice, rather than being taken into someone’s home where they may have pets, children or vulnerable family members who cannot be exposed to an unknown dog. We understand that not all veterinary practices have the staffing or facilities to take in strays, but it would be better if those that are able to do so have the full support of the local council so that the process can work most effectively. For a member of the public to keep a stray dog for up to seven hours, or overnight as the wardens are only available until 9pm, can put them and the stray dog at risk. As the Council position is that we cannot legally take charge of a stray dog, it is much to our disappointment that we have had to stop taking them in from members of the public, joining a number of other practices who have already implemented this policy in the area.

“We are fortunate that most dogs brought to us as strays are microchipped, although a surprising number of the microchips contain details that are out of date. Some people believe that updating their details with their veterinary practice will update these details, but microchips are registered with a third party database that can only be advised by the pet owner of any changes in their information – more information about how to do this can be found here. We strongly recommend that all dog owners comply with the legal obligation for their dog to have a tag with the owner’s name and address on, but also advise you include your phone number – it means the finder will be able to contact you without needing to involve anyone else. If this comes off or they get out without it on, the microchip needs to be up to date as a back up. A dog accidentally escaping can happen to anyone, even the most diligent pet owners, so please make sure these safety nets are in place for them to be returned to you.“

Stray dogs can still be brought in for microchip checking

Anyone who finds a healthy, uninjured stray dog should check if they have a tag with their details on. If not they should contact the Dog Warden on 01424 490034 so that they can leave a message for them to call back. In the meanwhile a local vet practice will usually be happy to scan the microchip to try and contact the owner.

“Even when we cannot take the dog in, we will certainly try to help find the owners so they can be reunited! Of course, if the dog appears injured or unwell, you should contact the local vet practice in the first instance to seek medical advice, as well as emergency first aid and pain relief; there is a different set of steps that need to be followed where this is the case, and the vet practice can guide you through this.” commented Donné Stam, Heathfield Vets, Practice Manager.