Dog owners could save themselves more than £70 in collection charges by ensuring their dog wears a collar and identification tag.
Last year Basildon Council’s animal control team picked up more than 500 dogs which were treated as ‘strays’. Of those, 245 were reclaimed by their owners 176 of whom were liable for around £70 in kennel fees.
Sarah Moran, animal control officer, said: “Most of the dogs we pick up do not have a collar and ID tag or microchip which means we have to take it to our contracted kennels as a stray. When the owner then comes to pick it up, they are liable for kennel costs which can be costly.”
Councillor Richard Moore, cabinet member with responsibility for animal control, said: “Dog owners can prevent their dog from being picked up as a stray, and avoid any collection charges, by ensuring that their dog is wearing a collar with the owner’s name and address on.
“It is an offence for any dog, on a highway or in a public space, not to wear a collar with the owner’s contact details on.”
This Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 May the council and RSPCA are running a Care for your Canine event outside The Place (Pitsea Leisure Centre) from 11am to 3pm. Dog owners can pick up free ID tags and have their dog microchipped for free as part of a drive to promote responsible pet ownership. A further event will take place in Laindon on 20 and 21 June.
Dog owners in receipt of benefits can also pick up discounted neutering vouchers and free flea/worming treatments (subject to availability). A dog behaviourist and animal control officers will also be on hand to offer advice in canine care.
Sarah added: “It is the responsibility of owners to keep their dogs under control and prevent them from straying in the first place which is where our advice and neutering at the event can help”.
For more information on caring for your canine, visit www.basildon.gov.uk/caninecare
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PHOTO: Sarah Moran with Staffordshire Bull Terrier “Mable” who was picked up last week in Falkenhan Rise without an ID tag or microchip.
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