Animal Services - Dog Control

The Animal Services Officers patrol the Moray area, identifying and picking up stray dogs. 

If the public observe a stray they can request the Officer to attend . 

These stray dogs are taken to Brumley Brae. A charge is made for the return of dogs to their owners. 

If you have lost your dog contact Brumley Brae Kennels, Brumley Brae, Elgin, Moray, Tel: 01343 544411.

The Council has a duty under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to appoint an officer for dealing with stray dogs found in the area.  Moray Council currently employs one Animal Services Officers who carries out the duties of 'Dog Warden' as well as other animal health and welfare duties.

A dog roaming unattended in a public place is deemed to be a stray and he shall seize and detain it.

Where a stray dog has a collar and tag or the owner is known the Animal Services Officer will attempt to return the dog if it has been picked up for the first time.

The owner of a stray dog is not entitled to the return of the animal until the prescribed fee has been paid - see fee table.

Should the dog not be claimed or the owner declines to pay the sums outstanding the ownership of the dog is legally transferred to the Council after seven days.

It is the responsibility of the claimant to visit the kennels to recover their dog.  Detained stray dogs will not be released by the kennels until all costs incurred are paid in full.

Once transferred to the Council or rehomed to a new owner the former owner of a stray dog has no legal claim for the return of the animal.

The Animal Services Officer also liaises with the Police.