New arrangements for out of hours stray dogs
Due to a change in legislation, the out of hours service for stray dogs is changing.
Previously, the police dealt with stray dogs reported out of normal office hours, weekends and Bank Holidays but now Herefordshire Council is taking over this responsibility.
The collection service will operate from 6am until 9am and 5pm until 10pm on weekdays and 6am until 10pm at weekends and Bank Holidays.
Mike Higgins, Herefordshire Council's animal health and welfare manager, said: "As we have a small number of stray dogs collected throughout the county, we do not consider it necessary to provide a full 24/7 service but we will see how the new system works and keep it under constant review. Over the first weekend things appear to have run quite smoothly."
Only captive and restrained stray dogs will be collected and the council will not be able to respond to reports of loose dogs, wherever they may be.
To contact the out of hours stray dogs service, people just need to call the council's normal contact line on 01432 260000.
Any reports of dangerous dogs should, however, still be reported to the police.
Any callers regarding lost dogs, dog fouling or any other related issue will be advised to contact Herefordshire Council on the usual number 01432 271761 during normal office hours.
If a lost dog is in the council's possession, owners can be assured the dog is safe and being well cared for. Arrangements for its return can be made during normal hours.
Details of all stray dogs collected by Herefordshire Council are also posted on the Current Stray Dogs page of the website.
