Slough Borough Council intends to commission a new borough wide stray dog service to make sure it can continue to meet its legal responsibilities and provide a reliable service for residents.

The service will cover the collection and kennelling of stray dogs, helping to reunite lost dogs with their owners wherever possible, and making sure any unclaimed dogs are properly cared for in line with animal welfare standards.

Dogs in the council’s care will continue to be looked after safely and humanely, and the new contract will help provide a more resilient and cost-effective service. Any provider appointed through the procurement process will be expected to meet all relevant legal and welfare requirements, with clear oversight and monitoring arrangements in place to make sure standards are maintained.

The council currently uses an external provider to deliver a 24/7 confined stray dog collection service, following an earlier contract which is now being re‑procured. The forthcoming procurement will place the service on a new formal contractual footing, with the aim of having arrangements in place later this year.

The current provider has worked closely with the council over a number of years to support delivery of this service, helping to ensure that stray dogs are collected and cared for safely and appropriately.

Cllr Ejaz Ahmed, lead member for communities, sport, leisure, and public protection said: “I am really pleased that we are commissioning a new stray dog collection and kennelling service for the next three years, with extensions available for the following two. The welfare of stray dogs is important to the council, and this end-to-end service will offer continuity and resilience.”