LOCAL AUTHORITY CHARTER FOR THE WELFARE OF ANIMALS
Pets in Council Housing
The Council will include clauses about pet ownership in the tenancy agreement, including:
1) Whether pets are allowed in the accommodation and if so, how many and of what species.
2) Breeding of animals should be prohibited on the premises. This will help encourage responsible pet ownership and to reduce the number of unwanted pets.
3) The Council’s position on roaming and unattended animals. For example, people who repeatedly allow their animals to stray should have written warning that unless the problem is resolved, the animal will be re-homed, or they will be asked to leave the accommodation.
4) If it is suspected that animals are being neglected, the owner should be asked to re-home the pet. Contact the RSPCA with any concerns (0870 55 55 999).
5) Housing providers should also require that all tenants provide details of any animals kept in their properties in case of emergencies such as emergency evacuations, fire or flood. All tenants should be encouraged to carry the RSPCA emergency cards. They could also be encouraged to have signs in their windows stating that they have pets that require safekeeping in an emergency.
6) All empty properties, especially those recently vacated, should be checked for abandoned pets.
7) Housing providers should prohibit the keeping of pets on balconies or communal walkways. Tethered pets, especially dogs and cats, may be in danger from falling or being strangled. Others may be neglected or suffer from extremes of weather.
8) Housing providers should prohibit the tethering of any animals – usually goats, dogs and equines – on any land under their control. There should be a suitable policy for warnings and subsequent removals if this condition is breached.
9) Housing providers should ensure staff are suitably trained so they can at least recognize different species of animals, especially common exotic species; are aware of basic welfare standards and able to spot signs of neglect or cruelty.