Dog warden service

Dog fouling

Report an incident of dog fouling in Dorset online

If you spot an incident of dog fouling in Dorset you can report it to your local council with a short online form.

Dog fouling - what the council can do

Dorset councils can make orders under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 which require owners to clean up after their dog in most public places or the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 (CNEA).

The CNEA enables orders to made regarding cleaning up after a dog fouls, the designation of dog exclusion zones, the designation of 'dogs on leads' areas and the control of a fixed number of dogs to be taken out for walks at anyone time.

A fixed penalty ticket or prosecution in the Magistrates Court may await anyone who is seen to break these orders.

All the areas associated with the orders are suitably signed or you may obtain copies of the order by contacting the relevant district authority. Additionally some parish and town councils have local byelaws with regard to dog control

Stray dogs in Dorset

Report a lost or stray dog in Dorset online

Report a lost or stray dog in Dorset to your local council with a short online form

Stray dogs - what the council can do

Stray dogs that are picked up by dog wardens are taken to licensed holding kennels awaiting collection by their owners.

The owner is required to pay a statutory and administration fee as well as any payment required for the boarding of the animal before the dog can be released back.

Please note that when your dog is found if it does not wear a collar and tag an additional fine may be charged as the law states that a dog must wear a collar and tag when in a public place with the owners name, address and contact details.

We would always support the additional use of an identity microchip, however please ensure your contact information is kept up to date with the database that you use.

Dangerous dogs in Dorset

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and the Dogs Act 1871 make it an offence to allow a dog to be dangerously out of control.

This does not require proof of injury and in many instances it is sufficient cause for concern if someone feels threatened by the actions of a dog.

Dorset councils investigate all such complaints which can, if proved, lead to the matter being dealt with either informally with the co-operation of the dog's owner or through the Magistrates Court when control or destruction orders may be obtained.

Dog on human attacks can be investigated by the Police or the Dog Warden and you should speak with your council to see how they handle such incidents. Often however the Dog Wardens are called in for their advise and experience on dog related matters.

• Report a lost or stray dog online

  Report a lost or stray dog in Dorset with a short online form.

• Stray dogs out of hours service

  Out of hours contact details for dog wardens in Dorset. Please contact the dog warden that serves the area of Dorset that you live in.

• Dog warden service in Christchurch

  Christchurch dog warden is responsible for the collection or seizure of any stray dogs that are found within the Borough. Dog fouling, stray and lost dogs can be reported to Christchurch Borough Council online.

• Dog warden service in East Dorset

  East Dorset has an Animal Welfare Officer and a Dog Warden dealing with stray dogs, dog fouling and dangerous dogs. Dog fouling, stray and lost dogs can be reported to East Dorset online.

• Dog warden service in North Dorset

  North Dorset District Council provides a dog warden service. Dog fouling and stray dogs can be reported to North Dorset District Council online.

• Dog warden service in Purbeck

  The Purbeck dog warden is responsible for handling and kennelling stray dogs, promoting responsible ownership and enforcing bye-laws. Dog fouling, stray and lost dogs can be reported to Purbeck District Council online.

• Dog warden service in West Dorset

  The West Dorset dog warden gives advice, educates and may take formal action, including the service of fixed penalty notices and prosecution in appropriate cases. Dog fouling, stray and lost dogs can be reported in West Dorset online.

• Dog Warden Service in Weymouth and Portland

  Dog Warden duties in Weymouth and Portland are carried out by suitably qualified officers who have attended and passed the National Dog Warden Association (NDWA) accredited course. Dog fouling, stray and lost dogs can be reported to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council online.