Dog Warden Service

The Council's Dog Warden Service comprises of one warden who will primarily respond to Stray Dogs, however, they will also give advice on dealing with Barking Dogs.         

Proactive measures are also taken including promoting responsible dog ownership, and patrols to enforce dog-fouling legislation.

Stray Dogs

The Council's Dog Warden have a duty to seize any dog found straying, i.e. unaccompanied in a public place or on private property where it has not been invited.  

Dangerous Dogs

Dangerous dogs are dealt with under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and are the responsibility of the Police.

I have found a stray dog what should I do?

If you find a dog, please inform the Dog Warden straight away on 08452-304040 or 01462-611222. The Dog Warden can collect it during office hours and will attempt to reunite it with its owners. Please note that MBDC can only make arrangements for the collection of Stray Dogs between the hours of 8am to 10:30pm. If you have a stray dog in your possesion please try to contact us as early as possible , to ensure that the warden has sufficient time to collect and transport the animal to kennels. The Dog Warden will make an effort to identify the owners of dogs that are found straying. If contact with the owner cannot be made, or the owner cannot be identified then the dog will be transferred to Luton Borough Council offices for holding. Should the dog owner not come forward the dog  will be kennelled for up to seven days within that time the owner may claim the dog. The dog owner will be liable for any costs incurred, including kennel fees and any veterinary bills incurred. The kennels used by Mid Beds District Council are:

Stray Dog Charges              
 

Dog Tagging

The law requires dogs in public places to wear a noticable form of identification that provides their owner's contact details. This helps anybody finding a dog to reunite it quickly with its owner. Mid Beds is pleased to offer residents free dog tags which identify the dog and display contact details for Mid Beds Dog Warden Service. To order your free Dog Tag please contact Contract Services.

Make a complaint or request a service on-line

Dog on Dog attacks

This is a civil matter and MBDC cannot take any enforcement action against dog owners in these cases. You may wish to see legal advice.

Dog on People attacks

Please contact Bedfordshire Police as soon as possible in the event of a dog attack. Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure their animals are kept under control at all times.

Cruelty to animals - who should you call

If you suspect that an animal of any kind is being subjected to any form or cruelty then the only organisation that can legally deal with this is the Royal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)  

Please see the Department of Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) website for information on the enforcement of national legislation governing the health and welfare of farm animals. This includes responding to complaints of neglect or ill treatment of livestock on farms, during transport, at markets, etc.