What to do if you find a stray dog

We can probably safely assume that if you are reading this then you are dog lover... and as such would probably do all you can to try and catch a stray dog if you saw one. 

However, even well-socialised dogs can get nervous and anxious if they are away from their familiar environment and folk that they know. When an animal is in this anxious or frightened state, it can easily behave out of character. 

This might include running away from you when you approach it.

Remember that if a dog feels it is being pursued and begins to run, it could run out in front of a car, causing an accident and being hurt in the process. A nervous dog may also snap at you, if you try to take it by the collar or grab at it.

Here are some tips:

• We tend to usually keep a packet of dry treats or biscuits in the glove compartment – often, if you throw a few pieces of biscuit to the dog, it will come closer and it will allow you to build some trust with the animal and eventually be able to take hold of it.
• Always approach a dog that you don’t know slowly and 'side on' (passive body language) and if the dog appears scared, crouch down low and stay still – often the dog will then come to you.
• We always keep a spare slip lead in the car – a slip lead means that you can gently slide the loop over the dog’s head and catch it – this means that a) you don’t frighten the dog by trying to get hold of its collar b) if it isn’t wearing a collar, you are still able to secure the dog and c) you are less likely to get bitten!
• If the dog appears in any way aggressive, DO NOT APPROACH OR TRY TO CATCH IT

Okay – so, any one of the following may now have happened:

• You have caught the dog and have it on lead – Well Done!
• The dog has run off and you know that the more you pursue it, the further it will run
• The dog has shown aggressive behaviour towards you and you don’t think it is safe to try to approach it

BUT WHAT DO YOU DO NOW?

It is the responsibility of your Local Authority (Dog Warden) to catch and deal with any stray dog so, unless you know who the owner is and can contact them to collect the dog from you, you should ring your local council.

Topdog's local councils are Braintree District Council and Uttlesford District Council:

www.braintree.gov.uk
01376 552525
(covering Braintree, Witham and Halstead)
If you are ringing outside of Office Hours, you should follow the pre-recorded messages which should result in the Dog Warden on call being contacted and then making contact with you.

www.uttlesford.gov.uk
01799 510510
(covering Dunmow, Felsted and Saffron Walden areas)
If calling outside of office hours, ring 01223 257455 for advice. 

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