Herefordshire Council Reports Increase in Stray Dog Numbers Over Two Years

Herefordshire Council has observed an increase in the number of stray dogs reported to and collected by the authority over the last two years. The council recorded 81 stray dogs taken in during 2023, an increase from 68 in 2022, and significantly higher than the 21 recorded in 2021. Last year, only five of the dogs taken in were reclaimed by their owners, a decrease from the 19 claimed in the preceding year. Owners seeking to reclaim their animals are required to cover collection and administration fees, in addition to kennel and veterinary expenses. These statistics were furnished by the council in response to a freedom of information request, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS). The request additionally inquired about the number of XL Bully and other dangerous dogs impounded by the council, but no such animals were recorded over the three-year timeframe. Herefordshire Council maintains a weekday hotline for individuals to report stray dogs. Residents have received a reminder against retaining seemingly stray animals. Dogs collected by the council are housed at Hereford and Worcester Animal Rescue (HWAR) in Madley near Hereford until their owners claim them. Owners are subsequently required to pay a collection and administration fee of £55, along with a kennelling fee of £13.50 per day commencing after the initial 24 hours, and any associated veterinary treatment expenses. Following a period of seven days, the dog becomes available for public rehoming, for which the rescue centre requests a donation of £200. HWAR was approached for comment regarding the potential reasons behind the rising stray numbers. However, a representative stated they were unable to provide a response, explaining: “Our phone is ringing constantly, [we have] dogs coming out of our ears to sort, as well as looking after all our current dogs.”