Going
beyond
the basic
standard
A PETS POLICY
The provision of a basic pets policy, which is both
enforceable and enforced, is essential if there is
to be a consistent and effective approach to the
issues arising from pets in housing. In order to
tackle the root of the problem before it takes
hold, however, a more proactive approach must
be taken and preventative measures put in place.
Registering pets
Pet registration for tenants provides many benefits for landlords
and local residents alike. One of the most effective forms of
registration is to require all tenants to request permission to
keep a pet, with a policy stipulating that no request will be
unreasonably denied. This means landlords know which pets
live in the majority of the dwellings they manage.
While failing to register their pet may not in itself be grounds
for action to be taken against a tenant, it does strengthen
the case if there are ASB, nuisance or welfare complaints
made about a pet in a dwelling.
Responsible pet owners will find that there is a benefit to
registration, e.g. if their pet strays nearby, there is a greater
chance of it being returned. This is particularly significant for
pet dogs as it can cost owners £50 or more to retrieve them
from the local stray-dog kennels.
Registration also helps in emergency planning. While animal
welfare is not a priority in contingency planning, human
welfare and public protection are. By having a registration
system in place, staff are protected in emergencies as they
will know which animals they may encounter if they need
to enter a premises. Residents are also protected as staff
can organise the removal of a pet if its owner is out, ensuring
that the owner doesn't risk their own safety by returning to
an evacuated building.
10
London Borough of Wandsworth Council
Dog-microchipping scheme for tenants
In 2006, as a result of a successful problem-solving partnership
approach to tackling ASB involving dogs, the council
established The Action Plan. This document sets out its
current policy, legislative powers and procedures, together
with action already being implemented and proposals for
further measures. It was reviewed and updated in 2008 in
response to a rather nasty attack on a dog and his owner.
The plan was created in consultation with council members
and departments, including housing. To address irresponsible
dog ownership, straying and fouling, it was agreed that all
dogs owned by council tenants would be microchipped and
registered by the council free of charge. The microchipping
was funded from the council's Housing Revenue Account, as
it was a justifiable measure to tackle crime and ASB.
To date about 5,000 dogs have been microchipped and
registered, with around 2,100 non-social housing tenants
voluntarily joining the scheme.
The work has had a perceptible impact. Despite an initial rise
in the number of stray dogs in the borough, the number of
dogs returned direct to their owner leapt from 43 percent in
2007/08 to 65 percent in 2010/11, saving the local authority
kennelling costs and reducing the stress on the dogs. The
number of stray dogs in the borough is currently decreasing.
The council supported this initiative with a constructive
approach to enforcement, using the existing ASB structure.
Wandsworth's positive attitude to dog ownership, coupled
with a well-planned strategy, is a model of good practice.
While microchipping would not have produced these
results on its own, when coupled with registration, effective
enforcement and proactive activities, it has proved an
extremely effective tool in curbing animal welfare issues,
particularly with regard to low-level ASB with dogs.
Mark Callis, Dog Control Unit Manager
Email: mcallis@wandsworth.gov.ukandsworth.gov.uk" target="_blank" title="Visit wandsworth.gov.uk">wandsworth.gov.ukistewart@wandsworth.gov.uk2
Ian Stewart, Head of Housing Management
Email: istewart@wandsworth.gov.uk
Tel: 020 8871 6831
COMMUNITY ANIMAL WELFARE FOOTPRINTS
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