Response 3971926

Response to request for information

Reference

3971926

Response date

21 April 2026

Request

I am submitting a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 regarding the handling of stray dogs and kennelling arrangements within your authority. Please provide the following information for the period 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025, or the most recent 5 year period available. If providing 5 years of data would exceed the cost limit, please provide the most recent 3 year period instead. 

1. Stray Dog Intake and Outcomes
   • The total number of stray dogs taken into your authority’s care
   • Of those, the number: Reclaimed by owners
     • Rehomed (via rescues or otherwise)
     • Euthanised
     • Transferred to rescue organisations
2. Kennelling and Costs
   • The average cost per dog per day for kennelling
   • The average length of stay for stray dogs
   • The total annual cost of stray dog kennelling (if available)
3. Holding Period and Decision Making
   • The standard holding period for stray dogs before outcome decisions
   • Whether your authority has arrangements with rescue organisations for rehoming
   • If so, the criteria used to determine whether a dog is suitable for rehoming
4. Dogs Suspected of Prohibited Type. Where recorded:
   • The number of stray dogs identified or suspected to be of a prohibited type
   • The number of such dogs: Referred to police
     • Retained in kennels pending assessment
     • Euthanised
     • Transferred to rescue (if applicable)
   •  Whether stray dogs identified or suspected as being of a prohibited type are afforded the standard statutory 7day holding period under Section 149 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990
   • Where such dogs are not afforded the 7day holding period, please provide:
     • the policy or legal basis for this decision • whether the dog is immediately transferred to police
     • the point at which responsibility transfers from the local authority to the police
   • Whether any internal guidance or policy exists regarding the handling of stray dogs suspected to be of a prohibited type, and if so, please provide a copy

If any of the requested information is not held in the format requested, please provide the closest available data and explain any limitations.

If this request exceeds cost limits, I would be grateful if you could prioritise and provide the information relating to stray dogs identified or suspected as being of a prohibited type.

If, after limiting response to the prohibited type section, this request still exceeds cost limits, please advise how it may be refined.

Response

1. Stray Dog Intake and Outcomes
   • The total number of stray dogs taken into your authority’s care
   • Of those, the number: Reclaimed by owners
     • Rehomed (via rescues or otherwise)
     • Euthanised
     • Transferred to rescue organisations

Our live (and historic) register is here: Lost Dog Report - Rushcliffe Borough Council

2. Kennelling and Costs
   • The average cost per dog per day for kennelling
   • The average length of stay for stray dogs
   • The total annual cost of stray dog kennelling (if available)

The average cost per dog per day for kennelling - £96 first day then £17 per day up to 7 days

The average length of stay for stray dogs – Not Applicable

The total annual cost of stray dog kennelling £1,980

3. Holding Period and Decision Making
   • The standard holding period for stray dogs before outcome decisions 7 days
   • Whether your authority has arrangements with rescue organisations for rehoming Yes, RSPCA
   • If so, the criteria used to determine whether a dog is suitable for rehoming RSPCA criteria
4. Dogs Suspected of Prohibited Type. Where recorded:
   • • The number of stray dogs identified or suspected to be of a prohibited type
     • The number of such dogs: Referred to police
       • Retained in kennels pending assessment
       • Euthanised
       • Transferred to rescue (if applicable)
     •  Whether stray dogs identified or suspected as being of a prohibited type are afforded the standard statutory 7day holding period under Section 149 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990
     • Where such dogs are not afforded the 7day holding period, please provide:
       • the policy or legal basis for this decision • whether the dog is immediately transferred to police
       • the point at which responsibility transfers from the local authority to the police
     • Whether any internal guidance or policy exists regarding the handling of stray dogs suspected to be of a prohibited type, and if so, please provide a copy

All Prohibited type breeds are referred to Nottinghamshire Police