Stray dogs can be a danger, not just to themselves but to the public and road users. The law states that if we find a dog straying in a public place we can seize it and take it to our designated kennels.
If you find a stray dog you have a legal duty to report it to the dog warden service straight away. If you don't you could be prosecuted.
Dangerous dogs
If a dog is dangerously out of control in a public place or causing a traffic hazard you should contact South Yorkshire Police.
Read advice from GOV.UK on the ban on XL Bully dogs.
Reporting a stray or lost dog
If you find a stray dog that's not wearing a collar and ID tag which would allow you to reunite it with it's owner, you can use our online form below to report it.
If you've lost your own dog you can use the same form to tell us about it. Someone may find your dog and report it to us and we'll be able to let you know if we've picked your dog up and how you can get it back.
Office hours
You can report a stray or lost dog to us on 01226 773743. The phone line is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Out of office hours
If you catch a stray dog and our offices are closed you can either look after the dog yourself until we can collect it, or call 07376 353678 (from 5pm until 9pm weekdays, and 9am to 9pm on weekends) and we'll tell you where you can take it.
If the dog is injured please contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
What happens next
We'll pick up the stray and take it to our kennels where we'll keep it for seven days, unless the owner comes forward to reclaim it.
If no-one claims the dog after seven days, we'll try to find it a new home or send it to a dog rescue charity.
We'll only put a dog to sleep as a last resort.