Stray Dog Policy, Coroner’s Service Recovery Plan And Domestic Abuse Strategy Backed By Isle Of Wight Council

Three major strategies – covering stray dogs, the Coroner’s Service and domestic abuse – have been approved at County Hall this month.

Councillors on the Environment and Community Protection Committee and the Adult Social Care, Public Health and Housing Needs Committee, chaired by Cllr Karen Lucioni and Cllr Clare Mosdell, supported the plans following detailed discussions.

Stray Dog Policy Approved

On December 4, councillors endorsed the Stray Dog Policy 2025–2028, setting out how the Isle of Wight Council will meet its statutory responsibilities.

The service, delivered by the council’s Public Realm Officers Team, is responsible for responding to reports of stray dogs, managing loose animals where possible and collecting them during designated hours.

Between 2021 and 2023, 35 stray dogs were reported, but in the last six months alone, 10 dogs were collected.

Of those, six were reunited with owners, three were rehomed and one remains in council care awaiting a new home.

Council service director for environment, waste and planning, Natasha Dix, said animal welfare remained the top priority, even though numbers were relatively small.

Coroner’s Service Recovery Plan Endorsed

The same committee also backed a Recovery Plan for the Isle of Wight Coroner’s Service, which has previously faced criticism over delays.

A report to councillors stated that the Island had experienced the longest waiting times for inquests in England and Wales.

However, progress has now been made, with the number of cases older than 12 months reduced by half as of December 4.

Coroner Caroline Sumeray confirmed 197 cases remain open beyond 12 months, while 236 inquests have been concluded this year – a record total for the Island.

The 61-point plan includes improvements to support for bereaved families, training for staff and digital upgrades.

Some actions, including a bereaved families charter and pathology procurement review, are yet to begin.

“Excellent” Domestic Abuse Strategy Supported

On December 18, councillors backed the Isle of Wight Domestic Abuse Strategy 2024–2029, aimed at preventing abuse, improving support for victims and strengthening multi-agency working.

Domestic abuse accounted for around 20 per cent of all recorded crime on the Island in 2023/24.

An implementation plan will now move forward, with councillors recommending updates including a revised foreword, context for imagery used in the strategy and the inclusion of testimonies from service users of Paragon, which delivers the Island’s Domestic Abuse Services.