Animal welfare
Use the report an animal issue form to report:
- animal related nuisances e.g. dog fouling, noise, and dogs acting aggressively
- animal welfare concerns
- a missing dog
If you would like to report a dead animal please use the Hounslow Highways form.
Animal control officers manage most animal-related enquiries such as:
- record, collect and receive stray and lost dogs
- investigate persistent dog fouling
- investigate dangerous dog issues
- Investigate complaints of statutory nuisance caused by animals
- promote responsible dog ownership
- licensing and regulation of animal establishments
- micro-chipping of dogs
- enforcing dog control orders
The animal control team lead on welfare related issues at premises where it has a legal duty to do so, such as:
- agricultural premises where livestock is kept; cattle, sheep, pigs or.
- licensed animal premises such as pet shops, boarding kennels and catteries.
We do not deal with welfare issues of neglect and ill-treatment other than as above. Please contact the RSPCA if you are concerned about other situations such as private homes.
Horses
We receive enquiries about horse welfare where horses are placed onto small plots of enclosed land or tethered on open land. Tethering horses is controlled by legislation but is not necessarily illegal.
Further information is available on the RSPCA website. Any complaints about the welfare of horses in these circumstances should be directed to them.
Residents are advised not approach or attempt to touch horses as they can be a serious injury risk. If there are welfare concerns with horses, please report these to the RSPCA. Do not release the animal as this could create traffic hazard and risk its safety.
Keep all dogs on a leash near horses. Keeping your distance keeps your dog and horse riders safe.
Stray Dogs
If you come across a loose dog in the borough, please do not chase or call the animal near to any roads. Use the ‘Stop, drop, think’ method and allow the dog to come to you if it chooses. If you are unsure don’t attempt to grab it, and report the sighting to Animal Welfare Officers instead. The biggest risk to a stray dog is being pushed into traffic in a flight response.
If you find a loose unattended dog and can secure it safely, please call us on 02085832000 Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm, or on the out of hours lines on 02085832222.
Alternatively:
- If it is safe to handle or travel with the stray dog, you can take them directly to any out of hours vet for microchip scanning, or
- Use the details on the dog's collar tag to make enquiries and establish ownership if you feel comfortable.
- If ownership cannot be proved, please call the Animal Welfare Team for assistance.
