Councillor steps in after dog welfare concerns raised at travellers' camp in Exeter

A councillor has taken a dog for veterinary care after being alerted to welfare concerns at a temporary traveller encampment in Exeter.

Ed Hill, who recently became an Advance UK councillor for the Pinhoe & Mincinglake division in Exeter, said the group had previously stayed at Arena Car Park but had since moved to Stoke Woods Car Park. 

Councillor Hill, who previously served as an Independent councillor, said that a local night-time worker reported that the dogs had been outside since 12 December. 

The councillor added that the case had been reported to Exeter City Council, which advised people to contact the RSPCA if they were concerned.

Councillor Hill inspected the encampment on 27 January after being informed on 26 January. He took one of the three dogs to a veterinary surgery for a general health assessment after being given permission by the occupants. He said the dog did not have a microchip and is now at his home, where he is looking after it, possibly permanently. 

Councillor Hill told Exeter Today: “He is becoming quite famous on Exeter Facebook pages, so we’ll probably ask the public to choose a name.”

On 28 January, Mr Hill returned to the encampment with another councillor to check on the remaining dogs. 

He said the animals were being properly cared for. “They let me inspect them, they were in good condition, certainly not underweight,” he said. He added that the generator had been moved and the dogs were inside rather than outside in crates.

Councillor Hill said he advised the occupants not to leave the dogs in crates outside in cold weather, to protect their food from getting wet, and to provide blankets and padding for them to sleep on, as well as constant access to water. He checked the animals’ teeth, eyes, claws, and for fleas, and reported everything was fine. He also checked proof of purchase to confirm the dogs were not stolen.

He said he had informed the occupants that someone would carry out daily welfare checks moving forward. “They were happy, I’m happy if they do what was asked of them,” he added.

The RSPCA confirmed to councillor Hill that the animals were not considered a priority case and would not be sending anyone to the site.

Exeter Today contacted Devon and Cornwall Police, the RSPCA, and Exeter City Council for comment on the situation of the encampment. Exeter City Council said it was not aware of the encampment, which may be because it is not on council land. Stoke Woods is owned by Forestry England, which told Exeter Today: “We are aware of an unauthorised encampment at Stoke Woods and will take appropriate action as necessary.”