Stray dogs

The Safer Communities Officers collect stray dogs between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Outside these hours, stray dogs should be taken to the local police station.

If a dog is seized by the Safer Communities Officers, it will be held at the council's kennels until the owner pays a fine and kennelling fees. If the dog is not claimed after seven days, it is normally found a new owner but if it cannot be re-homed it may be destroyed. The law states that all dogs must wear a collar and tag with the owner's name and address (including dogs fitted with microchips).

Dangerous dogs

The police and the Medway Safer Communities Officers share the responsibility for dealing with dangerous dogs, with the police being the lead agency in prosecuting offenders.