Policy & Guidance on The Keeping of Animals in or near Council Dwellings
The keeping of pets and animals is becoming increasingly popular and this includes a move towards keeping the more “ exotic “ animals, rather than the more traditional domestic pets.
This trend has implications for the management of council dwellings as there is greater scope for nuisance to be created.
The Policy relating to this issue is contained within :
Section 2, “ Tenants Responsibilities” clause 2.25 of the revised Tenancy Agreement,introduced in May 2002, makes reference to this policy, on the keeping of animals in council properties.
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The Council recognise that for the comfort and safety of its tenants, some properties, including the garden and land adjoining, are unsuitable for keeping animals. These are mainly dwellings which have a communal access, such as flats , maisonettes and certain sheltered accommodation schemes.
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Prospective tenants will be advised of these restrictions at the time when a property is offered to them.
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The Council also consider that certain animals may not reasonably be kept in any of its dwellings.
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Specifically the Council would exclude - Wild animals; Livestock; Poultry and other animals which the council consider to be a danger. This would include animals defined as dangerous through legislation i.e. breeds of dog which have been included on the” Dangerous Dogs Register” by the Police.
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Subject to the above restrictions, the keeping of small domestic pets such as Rabbits; Rodents; Fish and Caged Birds and a maximum of 2 dogs and / or 2 cats will be permitted within a council dwelling .
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Tenants are required to keep animal/s in a responsible manner and to exercise control of the animals at all times.
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Where the keeping of animals causes a nuisance ; annoys or frightens others or damages council property, then the tenant will no longer be allowed to keep the animal at the property.
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Permission to keep Pigeons will only be given to tenants who are members of the Royal Racing Pigeon Society .
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Support Dogs are recognised as being an essential aid to persons with disabilities and are exempt from the above restrictions.
Failure to comply with this policy may constitute a breach of the Tenancy Agreement and could result in legal action, placing the tenant at the risk of losing their home.
Further advice and information on this subject can be obtained from your Neighbourhood Housing Manager and also from the R.S.P.C.A. on 245 5132.
You can contact the Dog Warden Service on 247 5964.
You can download futher information using the links on the right