If you have lost, or think you have lost, your dog, then please call the Council's Dog Warden on 661743 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm).  Remember that stray dogs will be rehomed or destroyed if not claimed within seven days.

If your dog is lost or you suspect it has been stolen, you should call the warden every day to see if it has been found, and you may also want to contact your local police, or other local dog warden services in neighbouring areas.

You may also wish to report your dog to free online registers of lost dogs, where you can get advice and support, and which are checked daily by wardens, rescues and volunteers all over the country.

Dog Lost (http://www.doglost.co.uk) is a service for all kinds of dogs and Lurcher Search (http://www.lurchersearch.org.uk) deals specifically with stolen and lost/found lurchers, whippets or greyhounds. There are also a number of breed rescues on the Internet that may be able to offer advice if your lost dog is a pedigree breed.

Always collar and tag your dog, and if possible, have it microchipped.  That way, your dog can always be returned home if it strays. Ask your vet about this service.

You might also want to consider having your dog tattooed.  You can find out more information about this nationwide scheme at the official website: http://www.dog-register.co.uk/