Decision details

The Group had before it a report * from the Housing Services Manager regarding the need to review the existing pets and animal policy. She explained that the policy had to be reviewed to take account of a number of instances that had occurred in recent years. She stated that Council houses represented an enormous asset to the Council and it was important to protect them from deterioration wherever possible. Problems relating to the keeping of animals could include, defecation, dog barking, cockrels crowing early in the morning to dangerous dogs. Reference had been made to the RSPCA guidance in the drawing up of the policy. 

This was another area where sensitivity was needed as issues relating to animals could be very emotive. Issues had to be dealt with on a case by case basis.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         Tenancy checks being crucial in identifying problems.

·         The Council could not terminate tenancies themselves due to issues with pets and animals, a possession order would need to be sought through the court.

·         There were no prescriptive answers, each request would be considered on its own merits, for example, a tenant may request to create a garden pond. However, it was explained that there was a clause in each tenancy agreement that a property be returned to the state in which it was originally occupied.

The Group wished for its thanks and congratulations to be passed on to the Housing Services Manager and the Housing Policy Officer for the way in which this and the other policies discussed today had been written in plain English and were easy to understand.

RECOMMENDED to the Cabinet that the revised pets and animal policy be adopted.

(Proposed by Cllr L Taylor and seconded by Cllr Mrs G Doe)

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.