NEW national regulations will soon mean Suffolk Constabulary can no longer take in stray dogs at any police stations.Section 68 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, removes the power of the police to seize or receive stray dogs handed in by the public.
NEW national regulations will soon mean Suffolk Constabulary can no longer take in stray dogs at any police stations.
Section 68 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, removes the power of the police to seize or receive stray dogs handed in by the public.
The new rules come into force on April 6.
After that date, the responsibility for dealing with stray dogs will rest solely with the local authorities.
Superintendent Mike Shields said: “Currently, when someone has lost or found a dog the information is collated by the police and the local authorities.
“With the introduction of the new regulations, all cases of lost or found dogs should be reported to the local authority only.
“This should make it easier for the public with only one point of contact and will increase the chances of owners being reunited with their dogs and will also free up staff within police stations to deal with other duties.”
Suffolk Police will still be responsible for taking reports of criminal offences in relation to dogs. These include dangerous dogs, dogs worrying livestock, and the theft of dogs.
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