Dog warden service

• promote responsible dog ownership, through education, advice, leaflets, free poop-scoop bags and thank you cards
• the collection of stray dogs from the streets of Bristol,
• enforce the dog fouling laws.
• ensure that dogs wear a collar and tag for identification.
• issue fixed penalty notices
• provide advice on dog behavioural and welfare issues.

Stray dogs
Dog owners that allow their dogs to stray unattended without identification, risk their dog being collected by the dog warden and then having the dog taken to Bristol Dogs Home. The City Council then impose a charge before the dog can be returned to its owner. The charges that are set, increase daily to a maximum of 7 days. If the dog is not collected within this period then the dog is given to the Dogs Home for re-homing.

Identification
The City Council encourages dog owners to have their dogs fitted with a micro-chip which provides a permanent means of identification on a database, but it is still a legal requirement for all dogs to wear a collar and tag with the owner's name and address inscribed on the tag (it is recommended to also include your telephone number)

Dog fouling
The enforcement of dog fouling is another part of the dog warden's role. It is an offence for a dog owner not to immediately clear up after their dog has fouled most open areas in Bristol. Dog fouling left on the ground by irresponsible dog owners is not only unsightly it is unacceptable and is against the law. The council will be taking firm action against dog owners who do not clear up immediately after their dogs have fouled.

New Dog Control Orders
Please note: Bristol City Council has approved the introduction of four new Dog Control Orders. These orders came into force on the 1st August 2007 and apply to all dog owners and people that exercise dogs.

Offenders face an £80 Fixed Penalty fine for not complying with the Orders which will be reduced to £60 for prompt payment within 10 days. Failure to accept or pay a Fixed Penalty Notice will result in potential legal action being taken through the Magistrates Courts where the maximum fine if found guilty is £1,000.

The four “Notices of Making a Dog Control Order” are listed below.
Also listed below are the four Dog Control Orders complete with Schedules. Two of the new dog control orders (Dogs on Leads and Dog Exclusions) have schedules exempting certain areas from the respective Orders.

Animal Welfare
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 came into effect in England on 6 April 2007 and will provide greater protection for animals.

Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 requires a pet owner to be legally obliged to care for their pet properly by providing; 

• a proper diet, including fresh water;
• somewhere suitable to live;
• for any need, to be housed with or apart from, other animals;
• the ability to express normal behaviour patterns;
• protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease;
• or (protection from and treatment of, illness and injury).

The majority of people look after their animals perfectly well, but if you suspect that a domestic animal is being cruelly treated, please contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. If the animal is a farm animal in the City of Bristol please contact Bristol City Council Animal Health Inspector on 0117 922 3946.

The law is not designed to catch people out - only to help protect animals that do not receive proper care.

Neutering
Neutering or ‘spaying’ is the removal of the reproductive organs in dogs. This is a straightforward operation from which dogs recover quickly. Bristol City Council fully supports this process whereby all owners consider neutering their dogs, to prevent unwanted puppies being born which can end up wandering the streets as strays.

An un-neutered male dog is more likely to stray from an owner’s property if there is an un-spayed female dog in ‘season’ in the area. This could lead to the dog causing a road traffic accident and getting injured.

The cost of neutering can vary. We advise you to contact your nearest veterinary surgery for advice.

Pet Health Council
The Pet Health Council promotes, informs and advises on the health and welfare of pet animals in the interests of both pets and people.

Their web site is www.pethealthcouncil.co.uk

There is a range of very useful leaflets covering issues of: Insuring pets, Choosing pets, Healthy eating for pets, Choosing a Puppy, International Pet Travel, Nutrition, Allergies, Stressed Pets, Facts about Toxocara, Facts about Toxoplasmosis, Worming etc.

You can download or print off the leaflets.

Contact us
The dog warden service constantly promotes responsible dog ownership, if you require any further advice on dog related issues or you would like a copy of our "Dogs in Bristol" leaflet please contact us on:

Tel: 0117 922 2500
Email: dog.warden@bristol.gov.uk

Address:
Bristol City Council Pest Control and Dog Warden Services
FREEPOST BS 4341
PO Box 595
Bristol
BS99 2BR

Opening Times:
8.30am to 8.00pm Monday - Friday