Andrew Forsyth/RSPCA Photolibrary
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In our opinion, a good tenancy agreement
will include the following information
About the owner
Contact details: Details of the applicant, with address and
contact numbers, and a named individual who would look after
the animal in an emergency. You would also need their address if
it is different from the address where the pet is to be kept.
Accommodation information: Details of the type of
accommodation where the pet is to be kept and whether it
has direct or shared access to a garden. This will help establish
a general picture of whether the pet(s) are suitable for the
accommodation.
Pet history: Has the applicant been given permission to keep a
pet in the past? Have they ever been prosecuted for any offence
against an animal, or for being irresponsible with an animal in their
care? This will provide important information
on whether the tenant is suitable for pet ownership.
About the pet
Numbers: Details of how many and what type of animals the
tenant is asking to keep. This will reduce potential welfare, noise
and environmental health issues relating to keeping too many
animals in a dwelling. You may wish to ask for a description or
picture of the animal(s).
Vaccinations: Confirmation that the pet has an up-to-date
vaccination card and that other necessary treatments, such as
de-fleaing and worming, have been administered. This should
reduce the chance of diseases and parasites spreading.
Permanent identification: Is the pet microchipped or tattooed?
See page 11 for the benefits of microchipping.
Breeding prevention: Has the animal been neutered or
spayed to prevent it from breeding?
Obligation: Confirmation from the owner that they are able
to meet the welfare needs of the pet(s) as stated in the
Animal Welfare Act (s.9).
Declaration
This is to be signed by the pet owner and should state clearly
that they understand their obligations as pet owner
and tenant and will be a responsible owner. The declaration
should also include confirmation by the tenant that they
are aware of the consequences should they fail to meet
their obligations. It should clarify that any pets of children
under 16 years of age are legally the responsibility of
the parents.
Prohibited types1 of dog
Some housing providers have asked what they should do
regarding dogs that are prohibited types but have been
exempted by the courts.
It is important that housing providers have clear and consistent
policies that protect animal welfare but also deal with issues
COMMUNITY ANIMAL WELFARE FOOTPRINTS
��� Housing: A guide to good practice
arising from section 1 dogs in a proportionate and case-by-case basis,
as blanket approaches tend not to be suitable.
In deciding whether to exercise their discretion in allowing a
prohibited type dog to be entered onto the Index of Exempted Dogs
(IED) and returned to its owner (even after a prosecution), the court
must be satisfied the dog poses no threat to public safety. In order to
do this, evidence may be sought by the court from specially trained
police Dog Legislation Officers (DLOs). This would be in relation
to, amongst other things, the dog's temperament, behaviour and
characteristics, the owner's antecedence and suitability as well as the
suitability of the home environment.
If a dog is permitted entry to the IED, a housing provider could take
the lead from the court in that it may decide, upon examination
of the available evidence, that the dog does not pose a danger to
public safety - a scrutiny process the majority of other dogs do not
undergo, therefore helpful from a risk assessment point of view. The
housing provider could therefore allow exempted dogs to be kept
within properties as long as the owner continues to comply with the
exemption conditions listed below.
l The dog must be neutered, tattooed and microchipped.
l The owner/keeper must take out (and renew each year) third
party insurance for the dog.
l The dog must only be taken out in public by someone over the
age of 16, kept on a lead and muzzled2 when in public.
l The dog must be registered on the IED.
Housing providers can play a key role in ensuring public safety and
animal welfare by having proportionate policies and procedures
concerning pet ownership and providing advice and support for
people with pets in their properties. If they are concerned about dogs'
behaviour (or as is sometimes the case, the behaviour of the owner)
they should work closely with their local authority and the police to
ensure animal welfare and public safety are protected.
1. Those prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: pit bull terrier,
dogo Argentino, fila Brasiliero, Japanese Tosa.
2. The muzzle should be the right shape and size for the breed or type of dog and should
allow the dog to pant, drink water and vomit safely, for example a a basket muzzle,
which comprises open mesh and allows the free flow of air.