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More than 150 dogs have been reunited with their owners in the last 12 months, thanks to New Forest District Council's dog warden service.
The missing pooches were just some of the animals the team found last year during its patrols around the district.
Sophisticated micro-chipping technology was used to identify many of the animals and match them with their owners. Currently the law also states that all dogs out in a public place have to wear a collar and tag with the owner’s name and address on it.
Around 250 stray dogs are picked up in the district each year. Those that can’t be reunited are transferred to nearby kennels until new homes are found.
The council's dog warden team promotes responsible dog ownership and operates a non-destruction policy on all animals.
If a dog is too ill or too vicious to be re-homed, a vet will carry out an assessment of its health and temperament. Last year, two dogs found by the council were put down for being too dangerous to handle.
"We are committed to reuniting owners with their animals," said Neil Burton, dog warden at NFDC.
“If we can't find the rightful owner or if no one comes forward within seven days, then the dog is put in to kennels where it is well looked after and has the best chance of being re-homed.”
NFDC’s portfolio holder for health and social inclusion, Cllr Maureen Holding, said: “To help prevent dogs going missing, I would urge owners to know where their animals are at all times and to have them wear appropriate ID.” |
