Dumped Dog Returned to Owner Along with £82 Bill

A holidaymaker who tried to dump her dog on Tendring District Council’s (TDC) Dog Wardens has had the pet returned – along with an £82 bill.

The woman, who was staying at a holiday park, contacted the wardens and claimed that she had found the dog on Jaywick Beach.

It was collected and taken back to the Council’s holding kennels in Weeley while investigations were carried out.

Unfortunately for the woman, she was not aware the dog had been micro chipped by her husband and after a few hours of detective work it was discovered who it belonged to.

It was returned to the holiday park in St Osyth by the Dog Wardens and the Police and - after first denying ownership - the woman had to come clean and accept she had been caught out.

Beverley Wallis, one of TDC’s Dog Wardens, said there is a seasonal issue with holidaymakers trying to get rid of their dogs in Tendring.

“We have had four cases so far this summer which includes a puppy simply being abandoned on a holiday park,” she said.

“Fortunately in this instance the dog had been micro chipped and although there was a different surname and address we managed to do a bit of old-fashioned detective work and trace the woman to the caravan.

“I think she was a bit surprised when we returned within 18 hours and she will get an invoice for £82 for our time.”

Mrs Wallis said that she and her colleague Allen East had only been able to achieve the result with the help of the Police who had accompanied them to return the dog.

“They were able to challenge her story and threatened to arrest her – which is when she finally admitted it was her dog,” she added.

The pet had originally been picked up by Mr East at 5.45pm on Thursday. It had been aggressive and he took it to the holding kennels.

Nick Turner, TDC’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, said that the wardens have a responsibility for stray dogs but not for those that have been abandoned.

“There are responsible ways of disposing of unwanted dogs and dumping them is not one of them,” he said.

“Hopefully this case will send out a clear message that we will take a strong line and do everything in our power to trace irresponsible owners and give them their pets back.

“In this case it has also cost the owner £82 for wasting our officers’ time and public money.” 

The RSPCA is also able to prosecute anyone who abandons a dog as it is an offence.

Anyone who witnesses a dog being dumped is asked to contact TDC’s Dog Wardens on 01255 686766.