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www.rspca.org.uk/cawf
Other considerations
A PETS POLICY
Pets of vulnerable clients placed in
self-contained accommodation
Landlords responsible for placing individual clients in selfcontained
accommodation will need to introduce a pets policy
that not only encourages responsible pet ownership wherever
possible but also ensures that the welfare of any pets is not
compromised.
In the majority of situations it is hoped that pet ownership is
encouraged and doesn't form a barrier to an individual being
allocated an overnight hostel or temporary accommodation.
For homeless people or those seeking refuge, e.g. victims of
domestic abuse or refugees, their pet is a valued companion
and can often provide a link with 'normality'. Organisations
providing this type of accommodation are therefore urged to
introduce procedures and policies that enable owners and pets
to remain together, while ensuring the welfare of the animal
concerned as well as the smooth running of the service.
The RSPCA's PetRetreat provides an information, advice and
pet fostering service for families fleeing domestic abuse.
Through its network of animal fosterers, PetRetreat takes care
of pets belonging to families who are going into a refuge. Once
the owner has a new, safe place to live, they can be reunited
with their pets. The Hope project - run by Dogs Trust - has
produced an information pack containing guidelines for
accepting dogs into hostels, shelters and day centres, Details
of PetRetreat and similar projects can be found in the Directory
of useful contacts on page 15.
Individuals taken into care/hospitalised
The responsibility for the temporary protection of all property,
including pets, of individuals taken into hospital or care is the
responsibility of the local authority3. Under the legislation
they also have powers to seek reimbursement from the
owner for any reasonable costs incurred.
Evictions, abandonment, debt recovery
It may be necessary in certain situations for landlords to evict
tenants and it is important that pets are considered during the
eviction process, as well as other situations where pets may
be left behind or removed. The RSPCA strongly advises
landlords to seek arrangements with local boarding
establishments or reputable charities to house pets that may
come into their care as a result of evictions or abandonments.
Eviction: Any pets left behind by a tenant are regarded as
'property' under the law (just like any other items left behind)4
so the landlord is responsible for removing them, arranging for
their care (ensuring that the animal's needs are met, as defined
under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 [s.9]) and then recouping
any costs from the former tenant. In this situation, the landlord
should contact the RSPCA immediately, which will, with the
landlord's cooperation, attend to the immediate welfare needs
of the animals. However, it is should be noted that the RSPCA
cannot guarantee the presence of an officer at the time of
an eviction.
If the landlord wishes the animals to be removed from its
property while the RSPCA attempts to locate the owners,
the Society will seek written acceptance of boarding and
veterinary liability from the landlord.
Abandonment: In cases other than those outlined above, if
the housing provider genuinely believes that a tenant has left
a property and any pets kept within it with no intention of
returning, the local authority should contact the RSPCA. In
these situations, there may well be a case for further action
under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Debt recovery: The RSPCA has received calls regarding pet
owners being told by bailiffs that their pets could be seized
as part-payment for rent arrears. The additional stress that
this puts on the owner and potentially on the pet is of great
concern. It is, therefore, recommended that a landlord seeking
to seize property in payment for rent arrears stipulates that
pet animals are not to be seized as property.
www.politicalanimal.org.uk/cawf
3 National Assistance Act 1948 (s.48) 'Duty of councils to provide temporary protection for property of persons admitted to hospitals etc.'
4 Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977
Joe Murphy/RSPCA Photolibrary