Animal Welfare

Stray Dogs
The dog warden service collects stray or loose animals which will be held at a kennel until the owner claims the dog. A fee is charged for the process. If the animal is ill then a vet is consulted and appropriate treatment given. The owner will be responsible for meeting the vet's charges.

From Sunday, 6 April, local councils inherited the responsibility for dealing with stray dogs outside of normal working hours. Up until then authorities had shared responsibility with the police.

The Council provides a limited out of hour's service to deal with dogs that have been found by members of the public outside office hours, including at weekends and bank holidays. The police no longer have a duty. In response Vale Royal Borough Council has organised an alternative service outside office hours.

Until further notice stray dogs detained by the public between 5pm and 10pm Monday - Friday and 8am - 10pm Saturday and Sunday and Bank Holidays should be reported to the Vale Royal's out of hours number (01606 862862).

The Service is only for stray dogs found by a member of the public and cannot be used in cases when the dog belongs to the caller (i.e. someone who no longer wish to keep their dog). If this is the case, callers will be advised to contact the Council the following working day, whereby arrangements can be made to collect the dog for a small fee.

If the caller can keep the dog until the following working day the Dog Warden will arrange to collect the dog from them. If the caller cannot keep the dog until collection can be arranged the details of the dog and finder will be passed onto the kennels specifically contracted for the out of hours service. The kennels used for the out of hours service is located outside the area of Vale Royal Borough Council. At the present time and until a collection service can be organised the caller will be requested to take the dog to the kennels between the hours stipulated above.

The Council is negotiating a collection service and we expect to be able to collect dogs from finders in the very near future.

All reports of dangerous dogs and attacks by dogs including attacks on other animals should still be referred to the police.

Current fees for the recovery of strays are:

• Day 1 - £70
• Day 2 - £80
• Day 3 - £90
• Day 4 - £100
• Day 5-7 - £130

Dog Fouling
Dog fouling is percieved as a major problem by a majority of the public and the although the Council receives lots of complaints about it, it is irresponsible owners who are to blame. As well as cleaning the streets the Council is also responsible for the enforcement of dog fouling legislation and we attempt to educate and encourage dog owners to be responsible and most are. Signs are erected advising people about dog fouling in the area. Poop scoops are provided free of charge to the public and are available from Council offices and local outlets.

In 2007, 50,000 poop bags were issued. Over 200 dog waste bins are provided in Vale Royal and they are well used. However, it is perfectly acceptable for dog owners to place wrapped dog droppings into litter bins, or take it home to place in their wheeled bin, if there isn't a dog bin nearby. Enforcement action can be taken against those allowing their dog to foul a public area and not cleaning up afterwards. In 2004 more than 40 on the spot £50 fixed penalty notices were issued to irresponsible dog owners.

Neutering and Tagging
We offer subsidised neutering and electronic tagging systems for the dogs and cats of residents on specified state benefits. Telephone 01606 867866 for information.

Animal Health Cheshire County Council
Animal Health check the standards and labelling of animal feedstuffs. They also monitor the health and transportation of livestock, and are responsible for operating and policing licensing systems for the movement of farm livestock. They also investigate complaints of ill treatment and supervise licensing arrangements for performing animals. www.cheshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards.

In addition the Animal Health Section of Cheshire County Council's Trading Standards Department is responsible for formulating and deploying Rabies, Foot and Mouth and Avian Flu precautions through its Contingency Plans. This work is undertaken in partnership with other agencies including Vale Royal Borough Council, DEFRA and the Health Protection Agency, so as to ensure that comprehensive controls are in place to prevent the introduction of, and control the spread of animal health diseases, in the region. http://www.defra.gov.uk/.