Basildon and Castle Point Councils Take Responsibility for Stray Dogs.

From April 6, dealing with stray dogs, once the joint responsibility of councils and the police, will be taken over entirely by a new partnership between Basildon and Castle Point councils.

They have joined forces to provide a cost effective partnership to deal with the new responsibility.

Previously people finding a stray dog used to take it to a police station. Now residents of Basildon and Castle Point should contact Basildon Council's Environmental Health Department on 01268 294280 and have the stray collected by the animal control officer.

Basildon Council takes in about 180 dogs a year but that figure could double when the changes come into force. Strays are held in kennels for up to seven days after which they may be found new homes.

Cllr Tony Ball, Deputy Leader of the council, said: “This is an important service much valued by our residents. I am delighted that we have teamed up with Castle Point to ensure that our new duties are provided efficiently and cost effectively."

Essex Police will still be responsible for taking reports of criminal offences to do with dogs and for investigating these. These include, dangerous dogs, dogs worrying livestock, and theft of dogs. Where necessary the police will still have powers to seize dogs for such offences.