If you find a stray dog...

A national initiative has been launched which aims to overcome public confusion over whom to contact about stray dogs.

Local authorities and the police are the only organisations with legal responsibilities to deal with strays, but many callers mistakenly contact the RSPCA or other animal charities calling for help.

"The RSPCA receives hundreds of calls and requests for help each year which we then have to redirect to local authorities and the police" said a spokesman for the charity. "This can be frustrating for the caller and wastes valuable time"

Under the new initiative, leaflets and posters are being distributed widely to help members of the public who either lose or find a dog. They explain that local authorities have the primary responsibility for stray dogs with the police providing a back up service - finders can hand over stray dogs at a police station for temporary safe-keeping.

"If someone loses or finds a dog they should always contact the local authority first" the RSPCA spokesman said.

This increases the chances of the animal and its owner being quickly reunited, and appropriate enforcement action can be taken against owners who persistently allow their dogs to stray"

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health is aware that there is a lot of confusion about what you should do if you find a stray dog. The campaign is about educating the public so they know exactly what to do and who is responsible. They hope that this will lead to fewer dogs straying in the first place, more lost dogs being reunited with their owners and fewer dogs being put to sleep.

The local Government Association, the National Dog Wardens' Association, the Association of Chief Police Officers, The RSPCA and the CIEH have produced new posters and leaflets which are available from local authorities and police stations.

"Dog owners have a legal responsibility to stop their dogs straying and are also requires by law to ensure their dog wears a collar and identity tag" said the RSPCA spokesman.

"If a member of the public sees a stray dog, they can report it to the local authority."

If you decide to take a personal responsibility for a dog you must do one of the following things or you could be liable for a fine.

• Return the dog to it's owner if he or she can be identified.
• Take it to the dog warden or relevant local authority officer. Many local authority dog wardens will collect the dog.
• Take it to the nearest permanently-staffed police station. It may be wise to call in advance.
• Keep the dog for a minimum of 28 days, but only with the written permission of the local authority.