8 COMMUNITY ANIMAL WELFARE FOOTPRINTS
>>> Contingency planning: A guide to good practice
Mark Callis, Dog Control Unit Manager
Tel: 020 8871 7132
Email: mcallis@wandsworth gov.uk
Wandsworth Council
Recording pets in housing
Wandsworth Council has been awarded a gold Housing
Footprint every year since 2008. This local authority
has been leading the way in demonstrating good
practice and, importantly, has a central database on
which to record pet owners. This was originally
implemented for enforcement purposes, however
it has the additional benefit of showing which pets
are in which properties. This helps identify the
specific resources that would be needed should an
emergency arise.
The RSPCA therefore recommends that social housing
landlords keep records of animals living in their
accommodation, in the form of a simple register that is
kept updated. Staff will be protected, as they will know
what animals they will encounter, and the resident will be
protected as housing staff can organise the removal of an
animal if the owner is out. This will ensure that the owner
will not risk their own safety, or hamper recovery efforts
by returning to an evacuated building.
The establishment of a contact list of animal
welfare organisations and local vets
Knowing which businesses and organisations can help in
an emergency is vital, although it should be recognised
that some will also be under strain in an emergency
situation if they are affected. Some local authorities have
established links with local animal welfare organisations
and vets and involved them as part of any exercises.
Individual authorities will, in many cases, collect the
contact details, but many LRFs collate this information
to share with the group.
The benefit of this is that planners know in advance the
capabilities and resources different partner organisations
have. So, should an emergency situation arise leading to
an evacuation, time can be saved - knowing whom to
contact will ensure a smoother response.
Becky Murray/RSPCA Photolibrary