Animal Welfare FAQ's

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Last revised: 28 May 2008

Question

I want to complain about dog fouling in my area

Answer

It is an offence if a person in charge of a dog which defecates on the land designated by the council, does not remove the faeces from the land at once. Dogs must not be allowed to foul footpaths, grass verges or public places. Any person found guilty could be liable of a fine up to £1000.

Complaints should be made to Environmental Protection and Housing Service as follows:

By phone: 01380 724911

By email: kennet@kennet.gov.uk

By post: Kennet District Council, Environmental Health, Browfort Bath Road, Devizes, SN10 2AT

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Question

I want to complain about a barking dog

Answer

Barking comes naturally to dogs. Dogs barking at the door bell or strangers on your property may be beneficial, but the persistent barking of a dog is monotonous and repetitive and a sound few people can tolerate for any length of time.  

In law, a barking dog can be a noise nuisance. The owners of the dog can be taken to court if they do not do anything to stop the nuisance.

You can make a complaint to Environmental Health and Protection Services by:

Telephone: 01380 724911

Email: kennet@kennet.gov.uk

Letter: Kennet District Council, Environmental Health, Browfort, Bath Road, Devizes, SN10 2AT.

You will need to have the following information available:

Your name, address and contact telephone number

The address where the dogs are and the name of the owners (where possible)

Details of the nuisance, frequency etc

When a complaint regarding an alleged noise nuisance is received by Environmental Health and Protection Services a letter will be sent to the owners of the dogs outlining their responsibilities as dog owners.

Should any further complaints be received then the Council may monitor the property. This monitoring may be carried out using a Digital Tape Recorder.

If nuisance is proved then statutory action may be taken by Environmental Health and Protection Services. This would involve the service of an abatement notice which, if not complied with, can result in a fine up to £5000 and possible seizure of any offending dogs.

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Question

I have lost my dog in the Kennet area, what can I do?

Answer

You should contact Kennet District Council on 01380 724911 and also your local Police Station. They will need the following information regarding the lost dog:

Breed of dog

Sex of dog

Description of dog and any distinguishing features

Temperament of dog

When and where last seen

Whether it was wearing a collar and tag or chipped

Owners Name, Address and contact Telephone Number

Environmental Health and Protection Services will check the Stray Dog Register to see if your dog has been taken to the kennels.  Stray Dogs

Environmental Health and Protections Services will keep the details of the lost dog on file until such a time as they are informed that the dog has been found.

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Question

I have found a stray dog in the Kennet area, what can I do?

Answer

Kennet District Council: -

1.Will endeavor to collect reported strays between the hours of 08:30 and 15:30, Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays).

2 Collect strays handed in at Police Stations, within the District, during the above times whenever possible.

3.Return strays to their owners, or transport to the kennels.

If you find a stray please contact Environmental Health on 01380 724911.

The police do not accept stray dogs anymore. If you find a dog out of hours please call kennet who will arrange to have the dog collected.

Before a stray dog is returned to its owner the statutory fee plus kennel expenses must be paid at The Council Offices between the hours of 08:30 – 15:30 Monday – Friday. (current charges) A release form will be completed by Environmental Health and the owner will be required to produce this at the kennels before the dog will be released.

Where a stray dog is unclaimed for seven clear days after its detention Environmental Health may:

Re-home the dog

Destroy the dog humanely

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Question

I want to complain about a dangerous dog

Answer

It is an offence to allow any dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place.  

If you believe a dog to be dangerously out of control, you should contact the local police and they will take action under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

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Question

My neighbours chickens/animals are causing a nuisance, what can I do?

Answer

Environmental Health Officers can take action under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 if the chickens/animals are causing an odour or noise nuisance.  

You can make a complaint to an Environmental Health Officer by:

Telephone: 01380 724911

Email: kennet@kennet.gov.uk

Letter:

Kennet District Council,
Environmental Protection and Housing Services,  
Browfort,
Bath Road,
Devizes,
SN10 2AT

You will need to have the following information available:

Your name, address and contact telephone number

The address where the chickens/animals are and the name of the owners (where possible)

Details of the nuisance, frequency etc

Visit our Animal Welfare pages

Visit our Noise Nuisance pages

Question

Can I keep chickens in my back garden?

Answer

Yes, providing it is not causing a nuisance to neighbouring properties.

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