CHANGES to the law in April mean that people will no longer be able to hand in stray dogs at a police station.

Up to now, Chester residents have been able to take strays to Blacon police station when the city council’s Dog Warden service is unavailable in the evenings or at the weekend.

The council expects the change in the law could result in more strays being taken into its care and to cope with this increase, strays may not be held at the council’s kennels until re-homed, but may have to be sent to Manchester Dogs Home or one of the other rescue centres.

Chester City Council’s dog warden, Dave Woods, said: “Dog owners are strongly advised to ensure that their dog wears a tag bearing its name and address at all times. Owners can be prosecuted if their dog is not wearing a tag in public places.

“Dog tagging means the animals can be returned to owners directly by the finder without council involvement. This would avoid the owners having to pay kennel release fees.”

From April 2008 anyone finding a stray dog:

During normal office hours, contact the dog warden on 01244 402304.

At weekends between 9am and 5pm, if necessary, to take strays to the local authority contract kennels providing there is space available.

During the evening, contact the warden on the next working day.

Injured dogs found outside office hours should be reported to the RSPCA. People should contact the police regarding dangerous dogs, dogs worrying livestock, to report missing or stolen dogs and found dogs, which can be checked against missing dog reports.