Lost and Stray Dogs
Stray Dogs from 6th April 2008
Important information
From the 6th April 2008 the police will no longer have responsiblity for stray dogs. However they will continue to be responsible for dangerous dogs.
This page contains information about lost and stray dogs. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 section 149, North Hertfordshire District Council has a duty to deal with stray dogs. However, if you have lost another type of animal or discovered a stray, please contact the R.S.P.C.A 
or an organisation for that type of animal for assistance.
Stray Dogs
A stray dog is a dog that is in a public place or a place it should not be without its owner.
If you find a stray dog between the hours of 09:00 till 17:00 Monday to Friday please contact our Customer Services Centre on 01462 474000.or email at service@north-herts.gov.uk 
. or use our online form:
After 17:00 hours and before 22:00 Monday to Friday, weekends and bank holidays please call 01462 730464 for information and instructions.
If the dog is wearing a collar and a tag, you may wish to contact the owner directly.
A stray dog will be kennelled and kept until an owner is found for a period of 7 days. After 7 days legal ownership passes to the Local Authority. All attempts will be made to re-home using every option available. Dogs are only put to sleep for the following reasons:-
- Unacceptable aggressive behaviour
- Illness
- Old age combined with long term illness
When an owner reclaims their dog there are charges to be paid.
- £25.00 Central Government fine for a dog straying
- £22.00 Admin & Officers time
- £12.00 per night kennel fee
Stray dogs are picked up for the following reasons:-
- They may cause traffic accidents
- They may act aggressively
- They can foul the land
Preventing your dog from straying is the owners responsibility. Remember it is a legal requirement that your dog wears a collar and tag bearing your name and address when in a public place. The penalty for non compliance is up to £2000 fine.
Lost Dogs
If you have lost your dog, please contact our Customer Services Centre on 01462 474000 or at service@north-herts.gov.uk . At the same time inform Police, local vets and Petlog - if your dog is microchipped. If your dog is found or sighted, that information will be passed to you as soon as possible.
There are some websites dedicated to lost and stolen dogs some of these can be found below:
