What should I do if I am approached by an aggressive-looking dog?
The best thing to do if you are approached by an aggressive-looking dog is to stand dead still. Do not make eye contact with the dog. The dog should find you boring and leave you alone. If you run, scream and wave your arms about, this will excite the dog and you are much more likely to be bitten.
What can I do about my neighbour's dog's barking?
You should approach your neighbour and politely ask them if they are aware that their dog barks a lot and ask them if they can do something about it. If the situation does not improve then you can contact us and we will offer advice in trying to resolve the problem. If that fails, we will see whether the barking counts as a statutory nuisance. If it does then we could take more formal action.
How can I stop my dog barking?
This is likely to mean that your dog is bored or frustrated. It may be that your dog is not getting enough exercise. Dogs must be walked daily without fail. If your dog is getting plenty of exercise but is still barking a lot, we can put you in touch with someone who may be able to help resolve the issue. We keep a list of reputable dog trainers and behaviour advisors.
What can I do about my neighbour who allows their dog to foul and doesn't clear it up?
You can ask your neighbour if they are aware of the regulations concerning dog fouling. If you feel unable to talk to your neighbour contact us and give us as many details as possible. If you let us know when and where the dog is regularly exercised and give us a description of the dog and the owner, we can try to catch them in breach of the regulations. Then we can issue them with a £50 fixed penalty notice.
What will happen if I refuse to pay the fixed penalty notice, issued to me for allowing my dog to foul and not clearing it up?
If you don't pay the £50 fixed penalty notice you will be taken to court. This may result in you receiving a fine of up to a £1,000 plus costs, and a criminal record.
Can you put a dog bin in the area where I exercise my dog?
The council is not obliged to provide dog bins. Owners are responsible for clearing up after their dogs and carrying the waste home if they do not pass a bin. However, we have placed more than 700 dog bins around South Gloucestershire. We try to put them in places where they will be most used. If you ask us to put a dog bin in your area, we will look into your request, but we may not be able to help. You can also ask your town or parish council.
What identification should my dog have?
By law your dog must wear a collar and an identity tag. The tag must include your surname and address and, although not a legal requirement - a phone number is useful in case your dog gets lost. You should not include the dog's name on the tag as this is only useful to a dog thief! Many people believe that it is enough for the dog to be microchipped. Microchips are an excellent way of ensuring that if your dog is stolen there is a good chance of it being returned to you. However, only a tag is readable in the street. If your dog has a tag there is a good chance that the person who finds it will ring you and we will not get involved. Remember, if we pick up the dog you will have to pay for its return.
If you pick up my dog straying how much do I have to pay to get it back?
If we find a dog straying we will put it in kennels while we try to trace its owner. You will have to pay £52 per dog, and £7.20 per night kennelling costs.
Am I still charged if the dog warden collects my straying dog and it has an up-to-date ID tag?
Yes. You will be charged £52 for the cost of collecting the dog. However, if your dog has an up-to-date collar and tag you will not be charged for the first night it is kept in kennels.
If I cannot afford the charge, can I pay in instalments?
No. All fees must be paid before the dog is released from the kennels. The charge is statutory and not means-tested. Please note that if we know you are the owner and you do not pay to get your dog back then you will still be charged for all fees incurred.
What should I do if I find a stray dog?
If you find a stray dog during office hours, Monday to Friday, you should phone the Streetcare helpdesk immediately. We will come and collect it as quickly as possible. As from April 6th 2008 the police relinquished any responsibility for stray dogs. If you find a dog out of office hours please call 01454 868686 for information on where to take the stray dog, Alternatively stray dogs can be taken directly to our kennels at The Gables Westerleigh Hill, Westerleigh, phone 07971682292 at any time between 7am - 11pm.
If we fail to trace the owner of a stray dog and are unable to rehome it, will it be destroyed?
We never destroy unclaimed stray dogs unless the dog is so aggressive that it cannot be retrained or if it has a serious medical condition and a vet advises us that it is in the animal's best interest. If we fail to find a home for a dog we will place it in a local rescue centre for rehoming.