Animals welfare services
The animal warden service positively encourages responsible pet
ownership. It reminds dog owners of the importance of
- Worming
Regular worming (treatment available from the vet) keeps the dog
healthy and the faeces free of the harmful roundworm eggs which, if
left, can develop into larvae which cause the toxocara infection.
Once in the human bloodstream, this can result in illness or even
blindness, so it is of particular concern where children play on
grassed areas.
- Flea treatment
Dogs and cats should be kept free of these parasites by regular
application of flea treatment available from the vet. An animal
with fleas suffers immense discomfort, not to mention serious
illness if left untreated. The owner who overlooks preventative
flea treatment can expect high vet bills, lengthy treatment of home
and pet - and a few bites round the ankles!
- Vaccinations
Puppies and kittens require a course of vaccinations followed by an
annual booster through adulthood to protect them from serious
common illnesses. No reputable kennels will accept a pet for
boarding without an up-to-date vaccination certificate signed by a
vet.
- Neutering
Neutering is a routine operation which prevents pets from producing
young and reduces some common behavioural problems in dogs and
cats. The vet can perform the operation on pets from six months of
age onwards. Neutering prevents the birth of thousands of puppies
and kittens each year for which there are not enough good homes to
go round. The council works in partnership with a local veterinary
surgeon to provide subsidized neutering of cats and free neutering
of bull terrier type dogs – call the Animal Neutering Clinic on 020
7987 3045.
- Collar and tag
Under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, all dogs when out in a public
place must wear a collar and tag with the name and address of the
owner inscribed on it.
- Dog training
There are
daytime classes in Bethnal Green and the Animal Warden Service
holds details of nearby training schools which have classes the
evening. Sometimes, the Animal Warden Service puts on free puppy
training courses on local estates - phone 020 7364 5008 for
details.
- Animal cruelty
Reports of animal mis-treatment or neglect should be directed to
the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
- Microchipping
Permanent
identification of pets by implanting a tiny chip bearing a unique
number underneath the animal's skin at the back of the neck. Dog
wardens, police and animal rescue centres routinely scan dogs which
come into their care with a special reader and, by checking the
number against a central database, can swiftly connect lost pets
with owners anywhere in the country.
- Tower Hamlets' Animal Warden Service is
pleased to offer microchipping to the borough's residents at the
cost price of £12 per pet. Dog (or cat) owners who wish to take
advantage of this offer should call 020 7364 5008 for payment and
appointment details.
- Keeping control
Every dog owner is responsible for his/her dog's behaviour at all
times. Dogs must be kept under the control of a responsible adult
and must not be allowed to stray onto the public highway. Dogs
should be exercised on leads and should be muzzled where necessary.
Young children should not be allowed to exercise dogs unsupervised.
Dogs must be kept on lead on all roads in Tower Hamlets – not
to do so is an offence under Section 27 of the Road Traffic
Act 1948.
- Prevent-a-bite
The Animal Warden Service gives talks in schools to teach children
how to act around strange dogs to avoid getting bitten. Children
are often surprised to learn that it is better to stand still than
to run away! The dog wardens take a dog (or two) into school boost
the children's confidence as they practise the prevent-a-bite
code.
How to contact us
Our call centre has trained and
experienced operators ready to listen to your concerns and to give
you the information you need.
We are available to take your calls from 9am
to 5pm Monday to Fridays on 020 7364 5008.
Environmental Health
Environmental Protection
Mulberry Place (AH)
PO Box 55739
5 Clove Crescent
London
E14 2BG
Tel: 020 7364 5008
Fax: 020 7364 6831
Email: environmentalhealth@towerhamlets.gov.uk
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