We deal with stray dogs and prevent them
roaming in public areas. We will detain dogs under the
Environmental Protection Act 1990 for seven days and it is the
responsibility of the owner to report their dog as missing to our
service. If a dog is not claimed back within seven days it then
becomes the property of our contractor and is assessed for suitable
re-homing. Dogs are detained in quality kennelling outside the
Peterborough area.
If we have contact details available from the disc, lost report
or microchip we will contact the owner to inform them the dog is
detained and is safe. Under this act there is a fine pay for the
return of a lost or stray dog. Owners will be informed of this cost
when contact is made.
Microchipping of dogs and cats
Dog wardens in Peterborough encourage responsible owners to
microchip their pets. Microchips are harmlessly implanted into an
animal by using a sterile injection needle and once in place will
provide a unique number to a microchip scanner if it is passed over
the implantation site area of the animal. 
This number can then be matched with a database to give details
of the registered pet owner. It also means that a pet can be
reunited with its owner even if it has lost its collar and tag,
which is a legal requirement. Microchipping is available from most
veterinary practices and some pet stores.
When a dog is seized after being found
straying it will be checked for a microchip so contact can be
established quickly with the dogs owners. However there are
many that do not have a Microchip which hinders re-uniting the dog
with its owner. When the owner of a dog comes forward to claim
there dog they will be offered the opportunity of having a
Microchip implanted before the dog is returned home.
Dangerous Dogs Act (1991)
The Dangerous Dogs Act prevents people from keeping certain
types of dogs that are normally bred for fighting. It enables
restrictions to be imposed on other types of dog breeds that may be
thought to be a serious danger to the public.
Dangerous dog complaints must be reported to Cambridgeshire Police. If a
person is attacked or feels threatened by any breed of dog they
should call Cambridgeshire Police.
The RSPCA
The
RSPCA are responsible for dogs locked in houses, dogs that are
reported on private property as neglected and abandoned and
homeless dogs as a result of the sudden death of
the owner. These responsibilities do not fall under our
jurisdiction as a council. For further advice call the 24
hour advice line 0300 1234 999.
Controlling your dog
Controlling your dog can be challenging, our simple guide to
controlling your dog provides some basic information
for dog owners who may be experiencing
difficulty.
Contact details
For further advice including what to do if you find a stray
dog please contact the Dog Warden Service.