Lost/Stray Dogs

For stray animals other than dogs, please visit the RSPCA website for further details.

Stray Dogs

Many people think of a stray dog as one without a home but this is not the case. A stray dog is any dog that is roaming freely and not under the control of any person, irrespective of whether it has a home or an identification tag.

All dogs must be kept under control at all times. This includes preventing them from being aggressive, straying, barking unnecessarily and keeping them on a lead where appropriate. It is also an offence for dogs not wear a collar and tag stating the owners name and address. If a dog becomes lost, it will be a lot easier for it to be reunited with its owner if the details are on a tag or if it is microchipped.

The Police no longer have any responsibility for stray dogs. Please contact Winchester City Council between the hours of 08:30 - 17:00 (Monday to Thursday) and 08:30 - 16:30 (Friday) on 01962 848 350.

Outside of these hours Winchester City Council provides a drop off facility only. Please contact our "out of hours" number on 01962 865 407 and we will provide further information on this service.

Upon catching a dog, we will usually try to contact the owner if the address or telephone number is known. This may be identified by a collar with tag or micro-chip. If the owner cannot be contacted or is not at home, the dog will be taken to the Council's kenneling facility.
The majority of stray dogs are those which have escaped and the owners are desperate to find them. Occasionally dogs are abandoned.

If a dog is not reclaimed after 7 days it is usually re-homed by a dog rescue centre but not in the area near to where the dog was originally found. Dogs need to be assessed, have a suitable home checked accordingly and neutered to prevent further unwanted litters. Dogs are not put to sleep unless they are suffering from severe illness or too dangerous to re home.

Stray Dog Fees - 2011/12

The following fees and charges shall be levied for stray dogs found within Winchester City Council’s
area:

  • Day 1 £62
  • Day 2 £77
  • Day 3 £92
  • Day 4 £107
  • Day 5 £122
  • Day 6 £137
  • Day 7 £152

These fees include the statutory fee of £25, a single collection/administration fee of £12 and £15 kennelling fee per day or part day. Please note that these charges include the £10 reclaim fee levied by the kennels.

After Day 7 the dog’s ownership defaults to Winchester City Council who may then take steps to rehome the dog.

If the dog has received any veterinary treatment, then the claimant, will also be charged these costs and a copy of the treatment administered together with those costs shall be given to the claimant.

For service Terms and Conditions please click on the following link Stray Dog Fees - 2011/12

Further information on the legislation can be found by clicking on the below links:

Collar and Tag

With few exceptions, every dog in a public place is required by law to have a collar and tag with details of the owner's name and address. These are legal requirements in addition to any microchip that the dog may have.

Lost/Stolen Dogs

If your dog is lost or stolen, you should report it immediately to an Animal Welfare Officer and they will do their best to re-unite you with your pet.

Telephone: 01962 848 350

Other places you could try after you have let us know are:

You could also contact local vets or rescue centres to see if your dog has been taken there by a member of the public. Details and telephone numbers can be found in the yellow pages/phonebook, but here are a few.