Hundreds of dogs are being reported as strays in Cornwall every year according to data released by Cornwall Council.

In the current financial year 2021/22 there have been 180 dogs seized after being reported as strays.

The good news is that 136 of those were reunited with their owners and another 20 were rehomed. Fortunately so far this year no dogs have had to be put to sleep.

Last year – 2020/21 – Cornwall Council dealt with 379 stray dogs and the vast majority, 303, were reunited with their owners.

Another 23 four-legged friends were found new homes but sadly one dog had to be put to sleep.

The figures were a big drop on the previous year (2019/20) when there were 531 dogs seized with 75 of them rehomed and two put to sleep.

When Cornwall Council receives a report of a stray dog they will normally make arrangements for a dog welfare and enforcement officer to collect the dog in normal working hours.

During evenings up to 10pm and at weekends the council uses contractors to collect dogs. However, the council warns, this may not always be possible and people who find dogs may be asked to look after them until the next working day.

The council will normally scan any dogs which are found for a microchip and if they are then the owners will be contacted to arrange the return of their pet. If the owner can be contacted immediately the dog is released and no kennel charges are normally incurred, although they will still have to pay a minimum release fee of £80.

So what do you do if you have lost your dog? Firstly, it's a good idea to check an online register which the council keeps of current dogs which have been collected or call the council to register your dog as missing – the number is 0300 1234 212.

When making a report of a missing dog you will need to provide your contact details; a description of the dog including its breed, colour and size; the time, date and location where you lost your dog; and other relevant information including whether the dog is microchipped.

You are also advised to check with your local vets in case your dog has been handed in there.

If you find that your dog has been seized by the council then contact them on the same number above – you will have to pay for any fees owed and then arrange the release of the dog.

If your dog has been picked up as a stray then you will need to pay a minimum release and admin fee of £80. And if your dog has been placed in kennels there is an additional charge of £14 a day. And if you want to collect your dog out of hours there is an extra charge of £50.

The council will not release any dog until all fees have been paid in full. Owners have seven days from the date the dog was found to claim their pet. If the dog is unclaimed after the seventh day it will be rehomed by the council and the owner will no longer have any claim to the dog.

And what should you do if you find a dog? If the dog has a tag with contact details on it then try and contact the owner first before going to the council. If you are unable to contact the owner or the dog does not have a tag call the council on 0300 1234 212.

You will need to provide your contact details; a description of the dog; and the time, date, and location where you found the dog.

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