Since April 2008 the police have ceased being responsible for dealing with lost or stray dogs - this is now the responsibility of the council.

Strays

The Council operates a service for the seizure of stray dogs. If a stray dog is wearing a tag with the correct information and it is the first time that a dog has been seized, then it will normally be returned to its owner free of charge. This will only occur if the dog is found near to its home, and the owner is at home when the Dog Warden calls. In any other circumstances seized dogs will be taken to kennels, and only returned to the owner on payment of a fee (£39.00) plus daily kennelling costs (£10.00). Dogs unclaimed after 8 days will be disposed of at the Councils’ discretion. Almost all unclaimed dogs are rehomed.

If you find a stray you are required by law to report it to the Local Authority, or return it to the owner.  Calls to the council should be on 01803 861234.

Lost Dog

The council maintains a lost dog register and a register of dogs seized as strays. If you have lost a dog telephone the council.  Remember, if your dog has been taken to the kennels you will have to pay a minimum fee plus daily kennelling costs to the Council before the dog can be returned.

Leash Orders

For safety reasons dogs must be kept on leashes in most residential areas of the five main towns.

• Totnes
• Ivybridge
• Kingsbridge
• Salcombe
• Dartmouth

Signs are displayed where the orders apply. A fine of £200 applies for non compliance. In areas where leash orders do not apply it is advisable to keep your dog on a lead especially near roads and livestock.