Neighbourhood Services

Environmental Health

DOG WARDEN SERVICE

In accordance with legislation East Ayrshire Council operates a Dog Warden Service which was integrated in 1997 with the Council’s Pest Control Service creating an operational force of 5 Pest Control Officers/Dog Wardens.  Duties include the investigation of any complaints or reports about stray dogs, apprehend any such strays if possible, and lodge them at kennels contracted to the Local Authority for that purpose. 

LEGISLATION 

Sections 149 – 151 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and the associated Environmental Protection (Stray Dogs) Regulations, 1992, imposed a legal requirement on Local Authorities to set up a system to deal with stray dogs in their area.

UPLIFT PROCEDURES

Any stray dogs uplifted in the East Ayrshire Council area are currently lodged at Southfield Kennels in Mauchline Tel : 01290 552532.

DOGS IN OUR CARE

Any dogs impounded are kept for a minimum of 7 days, during which period they may be reclaimed by the owner on payment of a fine (currently £20) plus any kennelling fees accrued. 

If the animal remains unclaimed after that period, then attempts will be made to rehome it. Regrettably, any dogs which are unclaimed and not successfully rehomed may ultimately require to be humanely destroyed.

OTHER WORK UNDERTAKEN

In addition to dealing with stray dogs, Dog Wardens have participated with the Police at local level in "Spotlight" initiative patrols to highlight the problem of dog fouling. A number of patrols have been undertaken in various local areas, and the opportunity taken to advise dog walkers of their legal obligations to ensure that their pets do not foul pavements or other designated areas. (To allow their dog to do so is a police offence for which they may be charged).

In general, the broad aim of raising public awareness on this issue has been very successful, and the Police and ourselves are now engaged in what will undoubtedly be the protracted task of converting this growing awareness into an acceptance of responsibility by dog owners/walkers to pick up the mess left by their pets. This has, in turn, highlighted other problems such as the lack of bins, etc. in some areas, with subsequent resource and cost implications to the Council which have still to be resolved.

Contacting Us

Any complaints or enquiries regarding stray dogs should be made in the first instance to the Environmental Health Service offices at Western Road, Kilmarnock. Similarly, any concerns about dog fouling in specific areas should likewise be directed to the same office, where they will be recorded for investigation.