Dog warden service
About us
Central Bedfordshire Council has a duty to deal with stray dogs, dog fouling, complaints about dog barking and promotion of responsible dog ownership
There are dog wardens who deal with the dog control in Central Bedfordshire, they deal with the following issues;
- Collecting stray dogs
- Enforcement of legislation involved with dog fouling
- Promotion of responsible dog ownership
What we don't do
- Rehoming
- Welfare
- Dangerous dogs
Please contact RSPCA or another rehoming organisation for more information
Dog Fouling
It is an offence to allow a dog, which you a responsible for, to foul and not clear it up immediately when in a public place. The dog wardens have the power to issue fixed penalty notices to members of the public who allow their dog to foul and fail to remove it.
What happens if an offence is reported?
The dog wardens conduct patrols but need the public's help to report areas of excess dog fouling. The dog wardens can only issue fixed penalty costs of £75 if they see dog fouling happening.
Stray dogs
What is a stray dog?
Any dog loose in a public place with no one obviously in charge of it
Collar and tag
The law requires that all dogs in a public place must wear a collar and identification tag which gives the name and address of the owner. Anyone who is responsible for the dog while in a public place must make sure it has a collar and tag.
What happens to stray dogs found by the dog warden?
If the dog is wearing a collar and tag/ or is mircochipped, it will be returned to the owner. If no one is at home to receive the dog it will normally be taken to the council's nominated kennels. Please see the current lists of fees and charges associated with the care of stray dogs below.
If a dog cannot be identified it will be taken to kennels where it will be kept for up to 8 days. If a dog is not claimed, we will do our best to get it rehomed, if this is not possible due to temperament or not able to be rehomed for whatever reason, the dog may be put the sleep.
What to do if you find a loose/stray dog
If you find a stray dog please call our customer services. You may retain the dog if safe to do so until the dog warden arrives.
Lost your dog?
Contact us by calling our customer services on 0300 300 8631 (Mid) 0300 300 8632 (South) to let the dog wardens know the latest regarding your lost dog.
How to get your dog back
If your dog has already been taken to the kennels it can be collected following payment. Fees are to be paid prior to picking up your dog. The fees include a statutory fee and kennelling fees, they must also include veterinary fees (vaccinations etc). For an up to date list of fees please contact us.
If your dog has strayed and been involved in an accident or has been found to require urgent veterinary attention it may be taken to a vet. If this is the case you will be liable for the payment of the vet fees.
Barking dogs
Barking is very natural for dogs but constant barking or whining of a dog can be disturbing or annoying for neighbours. Often the problem occurs when the dog's owner is out of the house, and the owner doesn't know until someone complains.
In Law, a barking dog can be a noise nuisance. The owner can be taken to court if they do nothing to stop nuisance.
Why do dogs bark?
Dogs are not by nature solitary animals. They need the security of a family group. Pet dogs regards their owners as a substitute family and can soon become distressed when left alone.
There are many reasons why your dog may bark
- Loneliness
- Boredom or frustration
- Attention seeking
- Defending his territory
- Medical problems
The importance of training
Training is important so that your dog does not bark at just anything that moves. A well-trained dog should be able to tell between people allowed into the house and people who are intruders. Good training combined with affection and companionship should mean that your dog will not develop bad habits.
Some simple things to try ...
Some dogs just don’t want you to go out. Get your dog used to the idea that you are away for different periods of time at different times of the day. That way he might not be so concerned each time you leave. And don’t make a fuss of your dog when you leave it.
Try putting your dog on their own in another room – at first for a few minutes, then gradually build up the time you leave your dog alone. Do not return to your dog until he/she is quiet for a period. When you return, praise them.
Some dogs will bark because they want to join in what’s going on outside. If this is the problem, try leaving your dog so that they cannot see outside.
Some dogs will settle only if they can hear a human voice. Leaving a radio on at low volume might help. But make sure the radio is not too loud. You don’t want to have complaints about that!
Try not to leave your dog for long periods. If you have to, see if there is someone who can look in during that time. Maybe that person could take your dog for a walk or let the dog out into the garden, if you have one.
Try not to leave your house for long periods, if you can’t;
- Feed and exercise him/her before you go out and leave some fresh water
- Make sure their bed or basket is comfortable and leave their favourite toys
- Check that the room is not too hot or too cold and there is adequate ventilation
- If you aren’t coming back until after dark, leave a light on
But nothing I do works...
Old dogs can be taught new tricks, ask Central Bedfordshire Councils dog warden for additional suggestions.
You should also go to your vets. Sometimes a dog will bark because he is ill – anxiety is often the cause of barking. You can ask your vet to refer your dog to an animal behaviourist who is an expert and can suggest ways to improve your dog’s behaviour.
Further Information
If you need any further information about the dog warden services or need to report a missing dog, please call customer services on 0300 300 8631 (Mid)/ 8632 (South)
Dog Warden fees and charges
| Dog Warden Service | Fee | Notes |
| Collection of mircochipped dogs to owner | £25 | Where a dog is directly returned to owner by Warden. Fee Collected by warden |
| Collection of dog from kennels | £50 + £10 per night | Kennels collects the fee |
| Dog warden returns dog from kennels | £100 + £10 per night | Dog warden collects |