DEVON and Cornwall Constabulary and local authorities are urging dog owners to comply with the law regarding identification of their pets, in an effort to reduce the problem of stray dogs. Figures issued by the police reveal that one in eight calls made to Devon and Cornwall Constabulary in 2007 related to 'lost and found' items — of these, a staggering 30% of calls concerned stray dogs. As 95% of dogs that went astray did not possess proper identification, police are keen to stress that microchipping, albeit an excellent initiative. is not a substitute to fitting a dog with a named tag and collar. Chief Inspector Sarah Nutt said: 'It is a legal requirement that dog owners fit their pet with a collar and tag when the animal is in a public place. The owner's name and address must be written on the tag and the owner's phone number would also be helpful.' Dave Arscott, an environmental health technical officer at West Devon Borough Council, said: 'By complying with this law, the person who finds a stray dog can easily make contact with the pet's owner so that the dog can be reunited with them as soon as possible. 'This will help to reduce the distress caused by losing your pet and ensure they are safely and quickly returned. 'Losing a dog that does not have proper identification can become very expensive for its owner. The owner is liable to pay a fine, kennelling costs and any veterinary care that is required if the dog is picked up by the council.' A change in the law regarding dogs that are lost and found comes into effect this month; local authorities will solely take charge of looking after stray dogs from the instant they are reported lost or found to the moment the owner comes to collect the pet. Dogs that are not claimed after seven days of being picked up by the local authority will either be re- homed or, in rare cases, put down. Previously, the police were responsible for taking care of stray dogs during nights and weekends while the local authority was in charge during weekdays. From April 6 2008 in Devon and June 1 2008 in Cornwall, members of the public who wish to report a dog lost or found should contact their local authority rather than the police. However, the police will still be enforcing the law regarding dogs classified as 'dangerous'. Calls by members of the public who wish to report that a dog is lost or found should phone West Devon Borough Council on 01822 813600.