Animal welfare - stray and lost animals

Any dog found in a public place and not being in the control of the owner is considered to be a stray. Stray dogs can cause many problems so don't let your dog roam alone, and all dogs must, by law, wear a collar and identity tag in a public place.

We have contracted out the stray dog service. Stray dogs picked up by the company will be taken directly to our holding kennels. 

To reclaim a dog the owner will be required to pay a release fee, the cost of kennelling the dog and any outstanding costs eg vets fees. The owners of dogs with some form of identification will be notified as soon as is practicable.

Report a stray dog

To report a stray dog, contact us on 0300 330 7000 or e-mail ehealth@northampton.gov.uk

The service will not collect untethered dogs

Dangerous dogs

If:

• A dog has harmed or threatened harm to a human
• A dog is dangerously out of control
• A dog has chased and injured livestock on agricultural land

Contact Northants Police on 101.

If your dog is attacked by another dog this is a civil matter and you should contact a solicitor for advice.

What to do if you have lost a dog

If you have lost a dog you should contact the Public Protection Division during normal offices hours (9am until 5pm Monday to Friday).

Stray cats

There are no laws regarding cats and fouling. The Cats Protection League operates a lost and found register. They can also check to see if a cat has been reported in a traffic accident.