Stray & Abandoned Dogs

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01273 263046

PCDW@worthing.gov.uk

Stray & Abandoned Dogs

Stray Dogs

Stray dogs in Worthing are not a common sight. The council's Dog Warden will respond to any calls regarding sightings of stray or lost dogs and will investigate and catch any such animals that are come across. 

Often members of the public will catch and detain any dogs that are wandering around on their own . In such cases the Dog Warden will collect any strays that have been secured by members of the public, and reported, as soon as he is able.

If you have found a dog please contact the following :

• Worthing's Dog Warden Service
• Worthing Police on (01903) 6070999

Strays that are picked up are either returned to their owners, if known, or taken to kennels where they are kept for up to seven days. If they are not claimed within this time they are usually re-homed. Any member of the public who finds a dog must report it to the Dog Wardens and Sussex Police.

If a member of the public catches a stay or lost dog and wishes to keep the animal they can do so, as long as they are willing to return it to its owner, if they come forward within 28 days. But be aware there is a legal obligation to keep the dog in their care for that time once the dog is signed over to them by a Dog Warden.

If you find a dog and are considering giving it a home if its owner has abandoned it, please give this decision careful consideration. It is a commitment taking this course of action, as unknown dogs can appear well behaved but you need to be sure you are prepared to take responsibility for its behaviour, health and well being .

Before the dog is signed over to your care, one of the Dog Wardens will need to carry out a home check to make sure you are able to offer the animal a safe, secure and appropriate home.

Abandoned Dogs

Abandoned dogs do turn up on the streets of Worthing and in most cases are found a new home. It is illegal to wilfully abandon a dog. If you own a dog that you can no longer cope with it is possible to give the dog to a rescue centre to be re-homed. This may be difficult to do, but it is far more compassionate than to throw the dog out to fend for itself on the streets.

If you find yourself in this predicament then you can contact either the Dog Warden for advice or contact Worthing & District Animal Rescue Service.

If your reason for no longer wanting your dog is to do with a behavioural problem, it is well worth getting professional advice before giving up on the dog.

• W.A.D.A.R.S (Worthing & District Animal Rescue Service) ( 01903 ) 217788
• Dogs Trust - Shoreham (01273) 452576
• RSPCA - Patcham, Brighton (01273) 554218

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