Knowsley Council only collects dead animals from the highway or council-owned land. Usually, this is within 24 hours of the enquiry. This service does not cover animals that are smaller than a cat unless the animal is in an area that is busy with pedestrians, such as a high street or school frontage.
We will take domesticated animals such as dogs and cats to a local veterinary centre (Andale Veterinary Centre, Ditchfield Rd, Widnes) who will check the animal for a microchip, if details can be found the owner will be notified by the surgery.
Removal of dead animals from private property
Landowners are responsible for disposing of dead animals found on private land. The Council will not remove family pets from private property, and alternative arrangements will need to be made, such as with a local vet.
If you hit an animal with your vehicle
If you have collided with an animal in your motor vehicle, you should stop (if safe to do so) to check on the animal's welfare. You must report to the police any accident involving an animal (horse, mule, sheep, pig, bull, goat or dog) not being carried in the vehicle.
You must call the police on 101 to report the incident; you must do this as quickly as you can, whether the animal is killed or not.
Dead animals on high-speed roads
We will remove dead animals from high-speed roads when it is safe to do so - this will usually be when the road is coned off for planned maintenance. We will liaise with the highway authority and police if there are dead animals that are blocking the carriageway.
Wild birds
There are special rules about reporting groups of dead birds. If you find five or more dead wild birds in the same location, please see the DEFRA website for further information.
Report a dead animal
To report a dead animal online, you will need to provide:
- The animal type
- The exact location of the animal
- Any additional information that may help your report