Dog Warden Service

Our responsibilities

• We investigate (and try to sort out) any complaints about dog nuisance including complaints about dog fouling, straying and dog on dog attacks.
• Complaints about excessive dog barking are dealt with by Environmental Health Officers (see Dealing with domestic noise problems), however , the Animal Control Team can give advice and we can loan you equipment to help control your dog’s barking.
• We collect an average of 100 stray dogs per year, the vast majority of which are returned to their owners or are rehomed.
• We promote responsible dog ownership in a number of ways, including:
• talking to children in schools;
• going to meetings run by tenants’ associations, housing co-operatives, residents’ groups, neighbourhood watch groups and environmental concern groups.
• Talking to dog owners whenever possible e.g. when we are carrying out our routine patrols of parks and open spaces.
• We give advice to dog owners on all dog related matters.

Microchipping

Microchipping is a permanent method of identifying your pet by implanting a tiny chip bearing a unique number underneath the animal’s skin at the back of the neck.

Dog wardens, vets and animal rescue centres routinely scan dogs which come into their care with a special reader and, by checking the number against a central database, can swiftly connect lost pets with owners anywhere in the country. We strongly recommend that you have your dog microchipped to help ensure that it is returned to you if it gets out. However, please be aware that, even if your dog is microchipped, you are required, by law, to ensure that, whenever it is in a public place, it is wearing a collar and tag with the owner’s name and address on it. As well as complying with the law, this also means that, if your dog is found by a member of the public, they can return it directly to you.

We can microchip for you or you can have it done by a local vet.

Fees & Charges

In the following circumstances, a charge will be made. For more information, see Environmental Health Fees and Charges:

• Before returning a stray dog to the owner
• If you would like to borrow equipment to help control your dog’s barking
• Microchipping

Neutering

Local authorities, the RSPCA and animal rescue centres rehome thousands of unwanted dogs and puppies every year. Neutering is a good way to help solve this problem. The RSPCA strongly recommends that neutering be carried out at an early age. This is a straightforward operation, carried out under general anaesthetic, by a vet. Another benefit is that a neutered male is likely to be less aggressive and a neutered female won’t attract unwanted visiting dogs to her owner’s front door! For an indication of cost, please contact your local vet.

Your local RSPCA may be able to offer some help with vets’ bills, neutering and microchipping. For further information, call the enquiries service at RSPCA headquarters on 0300 1234 555.

Who can receive assistance on dog-related issues?

anyone who:

• is a Stevenage resident
• works in Stevenage
• visits the town

What can I expect from the service?

Your enquiry will be treated in confidence.

Your enquiry will be referred to the Animal Control Team or an Environmental Health Officer who will contact you within the following times:

• In the case of a stray dog which you have confined or in an emergency situation, you will be visited within half a working day.
• If you report a stray dog in a specific part of the town, then that area will be visited within half a working day.
• In all other cases, you will be contacted within a maximum of 3 working days of receipt of your enquiry.

You will be contacted to discuss the problem and advise you as to what action can be taken. The problem will be investigated and any appropriate action will be taken.

We will contact you when the investigation is complete to advise you what has been done and confirm that you are satisfied with the way in which your enquiry has been handled.

All Council staff are easily recognisable either by their uniform, personal name badges or personal identification card. Always make sure that any visitors are who they say they are. If you are in any doubt do not let them into your home.

How can I arrange to use this service?

If you need assistance please contact us:

Click on the link to complete the Dog Warden Service form on-line.

Environmental Health & Licensing
Stevenage Borough Council
Daneshill House
Danestrete
Stevenage
Herts SG1 1HN

Tel: 01438 242908/242916
Email: envhealth@stevenage.gov.uk