Stray Dogs are responsible for many problems reported to the Council. They may be responsible road accidents and the indiscriminate fouling of pavements and playgrounds. They may also attack children, adults and other pet dogs or animals.

Stray dogs reported to the service are wherever possible returned to the owner from information given on the collar tag, disk or microchip. If this is not possible, the dog is taken to the kennels.

There is a substantial charge payable to the Council before the dog can be reclaimed. (Price on application).

The Dog Warden will uplift any stray dogs found on public property, and with the land owners permission, those found on private property. Outside normal working hours the Police may collect and receive strays for uplift by the Dog Warden the following working day.

Re-homing - a small number of strays collected by the Police or Council's Dog Warden are occasionally difficult to re-home because of their temperament. When a dog is encouraged to behave aggressively and has been treated with little kindness and respect, it will behave accordingly.

The Council is now sending a clear message out to owners of such dogs in that should a stray of this type remain unclaimed within the 7 day statutory period and where they are of the opinion that it could not be realistically be re-homed, it will be taken to a veterinary practice for destruction by euthanasia.

The Council regrets implementing this policy brought on by a small number of irresponsible dog owners.

How can I contact the Dog Warden to pick up a dog I believe is a stray?
Please ring 030 33 33 3000 and ask for Environmental Standards.

How much do I have to pay to get my dog back if it has been picked up by the Dog Warden?
The amount payable will depend on the length of time that the dog has been in the kennels together with any vets fees that have been incurred. To confirm the amount due please contact the Environmental Standards section on 030 33 33 3000

If my dog is picked up by the Dog Warden, will I be informed?
If your dog has been micro chipped or has a name tag, the Dog Warden will attempt to contact you and return your dog in the first instance. If this is not possible, the dog will be taken to the kennels. You will need to pay a fee to retrieve your dog.