Philip Toscano/RSPCA Photolibrary
06
You may also wish to consider whether to allow home boarding
(where dogs are cared for in the homes of paid dogsitters). The
RSPCA is not opposed to home boarding but you should include
whether you allow tenants to run a business from their dwelling,
considering the risk of nuisance to neighbours, whether the
property is appropriate and whether the tenant can meet the
welfare needs of pets in their care. We can provide advice on
home boarding issues.
A clear policy on pets left behind
This policy must make it clear that a pet must not be left
unattended for a period of time that will result in the owner
being unable to meet its welfare needs as defined under the
Animal Welfare Act 2006 (s.9).
Please note: If a tenant is taken into care or hospital temporarily,
under the National Assistance Act 1948 (s48: Duty of councils to
provide temporary protection for property of persons admitted
to hospitals, etc.) the local authority must "…take reasonable
steps to prevent or mitigate the loss or damage". Procedures
should include provision for pets.
All empty properties, especially those recently vacated, should
be checked by the landlord for abandoned pets. Procedures
should be put in place to ensure that pets are considered when
evicting a tenant, which should include ensuring the property is
checked for pets following an eviction, and arrangements should
be put in place to ensure that the welfare needs of any animal
left behind are met. Please see 'A pets policy: Other
considerations' on page 13 for more information.
Clear procedures on common pet-related problems
There are some problems that are generally regarded as a
low-level nuisance but which can make residents' lives and,
in some cases, the animal's life, a misery if they persist. It is
important to have clear, enforceable policies to deal with these.
Owners who repeatedly allow their animals to stray: It is important,
particularly if you are a non-local-authority landlord, that you
make contact with your local authority dog warden/animal welfare
officer to clarify whether they will attend calls regarding a stray dog
within the housing premises, e.g. communal garden, playground, etc.
Fouling: There should be proactive enforcement and education
to avoid fouling problems.
Excessive noise: Where an animal is displaying unwanted,
undesirable or problem behaviour e.g. excessive barking, the
owner should be advised to seek advice from a vet or certified
clinical animal behaviourist who will be able to identify any
potential welfare issues and develop a programme of treatment
that will deal with both the behaviour and any distress.
Animal neglect/hoarding: The owner should be asked to
rehome the pet and, if necessary, be reported to the RSPCA's
24-hour national cruelty line (details on page 14). Where an owner
is encouraged to rehome a pet, the landlord should ensure that
this is done in a responsible manner and should direct them to
a reputable rehoming organisation.
Tendring District Council
Pets policy: a living document
Tendring District Council, like many bronze-achieving
housing providers, has got the basics right. In fact for the
last few years it has provided a good template for other
housing providers, with sound policies and clear information.
It took time, however, for Tendring to attain its current
standard. The council, which manages more than 3,000
properties, thoroughly revised its tenancy agreement with
regard to pets in 2002. It appeared effective, so remained
unchanged until 2006 when the housing service started
seeing a steep rise in cat and dog complaints.
It was quickly identified that the council's policy at that
time did little to address a number of important factors.
It also excluded many potentially responsible pet owners
due to their accommodation not meeting the council's
conditions.
As a result of a review, a new document was produced
that incorporated the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and
ensured a more robust and efficient policy on dealing
with breaches and disputes. Most importantly, the new
document allowed a certain amount of flexibility, which
ensures that exceptional circumstances are taken into
account when assessing the suitability of a tenant to
have a pet on the council's property.
The review has produced a pets policy and a guidance
booklet that are practical, accessible and effective.
Housing Services Estate Management Team
Tel: 01255 686488 Fax: 01255 686406
www.tendringdc.gov.uk/tendringdc/housing
Provision of pet care information
You should provide information on pet ownership,
either produced by the landlord or obtained from a
recognised source. The RSPCA can provide leaflets, while
detailed information is available to download from:
www.rspca.org.uk/petcare
It is also useful to have a list of local contacts available
to new residents and pet owners, which would include
local vets and animal welfare organisations that may be
able to assist and advise residents.
COMMUNITY ANIMAL WELFARE FOOTPRINTS
��� Housing: A guide to good practice
BRONZE
Footprint