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RESOLVED: That Cabinet:
 
(1)            
Adopted the Policy as presented.

 
(2)            
Noted the following, in considering this policy:

(a)    
The Policy, at point 1.2, states the accepted definition of a Stray
Dog, which the Act does not provide.

(b)    
The Act requires the appointment of a Responsible Officer for the
purpose of discharging these duties and the Policy, at point 1.3
accommodates this.

(c)    
The Policy sets out in section 2, the conditions whereupon a stray
dog will and will not be collected or seized, as this is not fully
defined in the Act.

(d)    
The Policy also sets out at point 2.4 how the Council will manage
stray dogs which are or are believed to be a Prohibited Breed, as
defined under the Dangerous Dogs Act, 1991.

(e)    
The Policy, in section 4, states the legal requirement under the
Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations, 2015, that all
qualifying dogs be microchipped and how this will be
accommodated.

(f)     
The Act requires the Council to ensure the health and welfare of
any collected stray dog during the 7-day retention period. The
Policy states how the Council will accommodate this requirement,
including the scope and limitations of this obligation at points
5.2 and 5.3.

(g)    
The Policy, in section 6 states the conditions required for
returning the collected stray dog to the owner, including at point
6.3 the requirement for all accrued costs to be paid in full with
no option of any instalments or discount (except that offered when
micro-chipping unchipped stray dogs).

(h)    
The Policy states, in section 7, states how the Council will
dispose of the stray dog either at the end of the 7-day retention
period or before in necessary for humane reasons. Part 7.5 outlines
how dangerous dogs will controlled and should be considered in
conjunction with point d, above.

(i)      
The Policy, at section 9 seeks to delegate future amendments of
this Policy to the Director – Regulatory in consultation with
the Executive Member for Regulatory in accordance with the
provisions of the Council’s Constitution.
 
REASON FOR
DECISIONS:  To enable the
Council to clearly state how it intends to meet its obligations
under the Act, whilst putting in place limitations against the
unreasonable use of public funds and to protect the Responsible
Officer against undue criticism or challenges which could in turn
risk the perception and reputation of the Council.