A COUNCIL’s community protection team has offered advice for collecting stray and missing dogs.

Maldon District Council provides a chargeable service for collecting stray dogs and has advised how people can make it easier for them to be reunited with their missing dog.

It is a legal requirement for a dog to be microchipped. They should also wear a collar with your name, address and telephone number.

The council provides a chargeable service for the collection of stray dogs during normal office hours which are 08.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4pm on Fridays.

Earlier this year the Community Protection Team received a call from a member of the public to report a stray dog.

A CPT Officer attended and collected a very poorly looking small dog. The animal was in extremely bad condition, malnourished and dehydrated, with matted fur, bite marks and sores infected with maggots.

With help from Clarks Farm Greyhound Rescue and treatment from Edgewood Veterinary Group, a small black and white Shih Tzu started to emerge from the mud and matted fur. The dog was unchipped so its origin and name could not be discovered.

The dog became George and after time recuperating, George now lives safely with CPT Officer Sharon Bartle.

Outside of normal office hours, including weekends and bank holidays, the council follows Government guidance and offers an out of hours contact number for a local kennels who are contracted to provide a reception service for strays, who can be reached at 07847796791.

If a dog has been picked up by the council there will be a statutory and administration fee to release which is approximately £55.

Adrian Rayner, Community Protection Team Leader, said “The council provides a service for the collection of stray dogs during normal office hours. To report a stray or missing dog you can contact us on our website, call 01621 852475 or 07771935330.

“If you need to have your dog microchipped contact your vet. Failure to do so could result in a £500 fine and possibly having the dog taken away.”