Bradford Council will take full responsibility for stray dogs in the district from April 6.
Stray and dangerous dogs are currently dealt with by West Yorkshire Police, which will continue to deal with dangerous dogs under the new regulations.
Members of the public who find a stray dog are asked to contact the Council's dog warden service on 01274 434366 during office hours or 01274 431000 out of hours.
Out of hours they will be asked if they can keep the dog until the next working day when a dog warden will call to collect the animal, or if they cannot, will be given details of a kennel which will take in the dog.
The Council looks after stray dogs for seven days. During this time, every effort is made to either re-unite the dog with its owner or to find it a new home. Unfortunately some dogs cannot be re-homed and have to be put to sleep.
Leaflets detailing the new arrangements will be going out to libraries, community centres, Council contact points and police stations this week. Posters will also be displayed with the numbers to call.
Jim Aveyard, Environmental Health Manager, said: "The Council is keen to ensure that everyone knows about the new rules so that members of the public are not passed from pillar to post if they find a stray dog.
"We are doing everything we can to keep the public informed about the changes to the law in relation to stray dogs."
John Prentice, Director of Transport and Logistics at West Yorkshire Police, said: "This issue has come about because of a change in the law, not because the Police no longer wish to take in stray dogs from the public.
"While responsibility for dealing with stray dogs now lies with the relevant local authorities, West Yorkshire Police will continue to fulfil its obligations with regards to dangerous dogs and other dog-related criminal matters."
Officer/Contact
Jim Aveyard
Environmental Health Manager
Telephone: 01274 434758
Media Relations Officer
Sarah Bayliss
Telephone: 01274 433526
Fax: 01274 432005
Email: press.communications@bradford.gov.uk
Date: 31.03.08
