By Nicola Bastendorff

Essex Police will no longer take in stray dogs at any police stations as of April 6 when new regulations come into force.

On that date Section 68 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 comes into force removing the power of the police to seize stray dogs.

It also removes the responsibility of the police to receive stray dogs handed in by the public.  The responsibility for dealing with stray dogs will rest solely with the local authorities.

Dawn Clark, senior property officer at Essex Police, said: "Because Essex Police will no longer be taking in stray dogs we will also stop taking reports of lost and found dogs".

"This is to make it easier for the public to report a dog as lost or found because they will only have one point of contact rather than, as is now the case, having to phone both the council and their local police station.

"This way all reports will go to the people dealing with them and can be collated".

"Hopefully this will increase the chances of members of the public being reunited with their dogs and freeing up staff within police stations to deal with other duties.

"There are concerns that this will lead people to abandon dogs outside of police stations rather than taking them to the local council.  I would like to point out that they may be committing an offence if they do this".

Under the Animal Welfare Act people have a duty of care for animals they have taken responsibility, even if only temporarily.  If they do abandon them then they could be seen as not providing for basic welfare needs, especially if the police station does not have facilities to keep the dog."

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.