Stray Dogs
The police no longer have responsibility for accepting or dealing with stray dogs. Since April 2008, responsibility for the catching and safe-keeping of stray dogs is with the local authority.
Members of the public who find stray dogs should contact Rochdale Council’s Dog Warden Service for advice. The RSPCA and other animal charities cannot pick up or accept healthy stray dogs.
The Dog Warden Service
The Dog Warden Service is run by Rochdale Council and operates between the hours of 9am – 5pm:
Tel: 0845 121 2971
Animal Wardens Limited
Between the hours of 5pm - 1am and also at weekends and bank holidays the service is operated by Animal Wardens Limited. The service is ‘Secured strays only’ which means they are not able to catch dogs:
Tel: 0845 241 7253
Manchester Dogs Home
Collected dogs will be taken to Manchester Dogs Home during opening hours and can be reclaimed provided the appropriate fee is paid. You can also take stray dogs to Manchester Dogs Home yourself. Contact them direct for directions, opening hours and to check if space is available:
Tel: 0871 918 1212
Information on Lost and Found Dogs
Details of lost and found dogs can be given to the Dog Warden Service or Animal Wardens Limited in the hope that they can be reunited with their owners. You may also wish to contact Manchester Dogs Home.
Dog collars
Every dog in a public place is required to wear a collar with the name and address of the owner attached to it. The owner, or any person in charge of it, is guilty of an offence if it is not wearing it and the dog will be treated as a stray if found.
Microchipping
Microchipping involves inserting a microchip under the skin of your pet and is a reliable method of identification as long as contact details are kept up-to-date. It is not an alternative to a dog collar. For a small fee Rochdale Animal Centre staff can do this for you, or it can be done at your local vet. Staff are able to scan animals which are brought to the centre.
