East Cambridgeshire District Council collected a total of  67 stray dogs in 2023.  24% were reunited with their owner and 75% were passed on for re-homing. 

Only 12% of the dogs picked up had microchips with correct owner details. It is vital that microchips are kept up-to-date to ensure that stray dogs can be reunited with their owners. 

The Dogs Trust stray dogs annual survey report (PDF) has been published to reveal the latest statistics for stray dogs in the UK, between 2021-2022.

Microchipping 

Microchipping is compulsory. The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015 state that as from April 2016 all dogs and puppies over the age of eight weeks must be microchipped and contact details stored on a national database. The contact details must be kept up-to-date. Failure to do so could result in a £500 fine. 

Dog registration scheme

All dogs are required by law to wear a collar and an identification tag showing the name and address of the owner. It is also a good idea to add a contact telephone number as well, to help reunite dog and owner even faster. 

The council's own dog registration scheme has been set up to promote the principles of responsible dog ownership.  Registering your dog with the council is one of the best ways to help ensure that you are reunited with your dog as soon as possible should it stray.  Registration costs £2.00 per dog and each dog will receive a tag with a unique ID number engraved on it, along with the council’s telephone number.

For more information about micro chipping or the councils own dog registration scheme please contact the Dog Warden on Ely (01353) 665555 or email ContactUs@eastcambs.gov.uk.

You can apply for the dog registration scheme using our dog registration scheme application form (external link)