This morning we found a dog tied to a lamp post in the passage between Falkland and Frobisher Road (it was heard barking from around 8am but we thought a neighbour had acquired a new pet).
I phoned the Council's out of hours number to report it but was told that the Dog Warden service was suspended as the kennels were full and was advised to contact the RSPCA. I duly contacted them, and Battersea Dogs Home, only to be informed that they no longer collect stray animals and was advised to contact my local dog warden (vicious circle time).
I then emailed and phoned SNT on the off-chance someone was available (they weren't) and so decided to phone to the non-emergency police number. Fortunately the person I spoke to put me through to 'control room' and I repeated the details yet again. The officer said he would contact the local police in view of the situation.
The situation being; a large, rather scary looking dog albeit friendly (my neighbour had given it a bowl of water and was able to talk to, and comfort, her). The dog was also somewhat emaciated as her ribs were quite visible. Our local postie thought that he recognised the dog and told us the address of the possible owner.
However, having started off being quite friendly, the dog was becoming increasingly distressed and a bit aggressive, and a number of people felt unable to walk along the passage. Passerby John McMullan identified the dog as a French Mastiff.
Half an hour or so later, 6 police officers turned up, one of whom had brought some food for the dog. After she had eaten and calmed down, she was taken to the van with the police officers who were trying to find a place with the RSPCA for her.
So, a big thumbs up for the Met and our local police who dealt with a situation outside their remit. But I do wonder what would happen if (god forbid) this situation were to happen again.
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David, In your capacity as councillor & with your skills as a barrister would you be able to find out for us what (if anything) is happening with the council's dog warden & kennel unit? Was our setback in the weekend a one off or has this service been affected by cuts of some sort? Thank you. Matt
My colleagues in our Council group are already raising enquiries with Council officers. I will of course keep you posted.
David Schmitz
Liberal Democrat Councillor for Harringay Ward
It sounds like the situation with the dog warden not being keen to pick up strays has been going for sometime if this post from Dec 2010 is anything to go by.
A Hol-er who found an abandoned dog was told that Haringey was not taking dogs due to a parvo outbreak at kennels and was also told to call the RSPCA/Battersea (who in turn said they don't pick up strays). He did get the dog into Battersea eventually by walking it across London but I believe the Haringey dog warden never returned his calls
http://www.harringayonline.com/forum/topics/abandoned-dog?commentId...
I have emailed the officers concerned to thank them for their efforts and they tell me the dog is doing well and very likely to be rehomed.
Jono
Seems like this will have a happy ending then. Well done everyone!
This dog looks like a dog I have seen walked around here before. If it is the one I think it is then the bloke who own(ed) it has at least one more large dog. Jono, feel free to PM me if you want more info.
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