Decision details

To award a new 2-year contract (with the option to extend for a 2 further years) from 1st June 2026 to deliver the statutory stray dog collection and kennelling services for the Council.

The new contract will be awarded to Fenland Stray Dog Services.

The award of contract to a preferred bidder is delegated to the Portfolio Holder by part 3 of the Council’s constitution.

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 Section 149 places a duty on local councils to seize and detain stray dogs collected in their area for up to 7 days. This duty may be delegated to another person, but the council shall remain responsible for securing that the functions are properly discharged.

The current contract was tendered in March 2021 for a 3-year contract plus potential to extend for a 2-year period, which was approved in 2024.

The current contract expires on 31^st May 2026 with a new award required from 1^st June 2026. No further extensions are possible.

This decision meets the council’s statutory obligations and provides best value for the council and the customer. This award will provide continuity of service.

This award is eligible for 2 further extensions of time from 2028 for 1 year and 2029 for a final year.

This is a statutory duty. Options have been considered for sharing a local provision or jointly contracting however these were not deemed best value.