make it happen Guidance General pet guidance Page 6 Who can have a pet? Page 4
Guidance Contents Plymouth Community Homes...3 Who can have a pet?...4 Notification of pet ownership...5 General pet guidance...6 Who should I contact with a pets nuisance incident?...8 Guidance on keeping dogs...9 Guidance on keeping cats...11 Guidance on keeping birds...12 Guidance on keeping rabbits...13 Guidance on keeping domestic rodents...14 Guidance on keeping reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates...15 Useful contacts...16 Plymouth Community Homes Responsible Pet Owners Agreement...17
Plymouth Community Homes Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) has a, which came into effect in February 2012. This guidance has been developed to support the policy by explaining some key points and giving you suggestions for how to look after your pets. It is recommended that all tenants who have a pet should read the policy. Itʼs offered in a variety of formats and languages and is available from Plumer House and the City Centre Shop in Frankfort Gate or our website at: www.plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk The aim of the policy is to provide clear, firm and reasonable guidelines that allow a flexible approach to managing pet ownership in PCH homes. Plymouth Community Homes was written to: Reflect the views of our residents Promote responsible pet ownership Take a strong stance on enforcement Ensure fair and equal treatment Achieve good practice standards 3
Who can have a pet? Tenants who have a property which has exclusive use of a garden (the garden is private and can be accessed directly from the property) may keep domestic pets, including up to two cats and two dogs. Pets which leave the home (such as cats and dogs) are not permitted in properties which do not have exclusive use of a garden. However, pets which stay in the home (such as caged birds, fish in a tank or small non-poisonous caged reptiles) are permitted. Tenants who signed their tenancy agreements before the came into effect in February 2012, and who live in a property which does not have exclusive use of a garden, will be permitted to keep pets they already owned in February 2012. However, with effect from February 2012, pets which leave the home, such as dogs and cats, may not be replaced. Whether a leaseholder is permitted to keep a pet in a leasehold property is determined by the terms of the lease. Where the property has been sub-let, the leaseholder will be responsible for ensuring that the terms of the lease are met in respect of pet ownership. For further information regarding leasehold properties, please contact PCH on 0800 694 3101 and ask for the Residential Leasehold Team. 4
Notification of pet ownership Tenants who sign their tenancies after February 2012 will be asked if they own pets at tenancy signup. This will be part of signing the voluntary Responsible Pet Owners Agreement. For tenants who signed their tenancies before February 2012, we will encourage voluntary signing of a Responsible Pet Owners Agreement when the opportunity arises. The Responsible Pet Owners Agreement is designed to support the promotion of responsible pet ownership, and can be found at the back of this guidance. 5
General pet guidance This section provides general guidance for both pet owners and their neighbours. Animal Welfare Act 2006 A key concern for us is the welfare of any animal housed in a PCH property. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 states that pet owners have a duty of care towards their animals and face prosecution if they fail to observe it. The contact details for the RSPCA and Plymouth City Council Animal Health Team can be found at the back of this document. Identification (The Dogs Act 1906) The Dogs Act 1906 requires dogs to wear a collar and tag bearing the ownerʼs name and address. There are currently two additional options: microchip and tattoo. The microchip can be used on all pets. The keeperʼs name and address is held on a central database. The PCH encourages dog and cat owners to microchip or tattoo their pets. Examples of animals registered under the Act are certain types of venomous snake, certain types of spider and various breeds of monkey. Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 All dogs can be potentially dangerous. However, there are certain breeds which are banned in the UK. These include the Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro. They can be recognised by their large size and strong muscular appearance. The Pit Bull Terrier Type is also banned. It can be hard to recognise a Pit Bull Terrier Type. The description opposite gives an idea of how a Pit Bull Terrier Type might look. If you suspect that a neighbour owns a Pit Bull Terrier Type or that you may have acquired a Pit Bull Terrier Type, then it should be checked by an authorised Police Officer. The risk to the people, and particularly children, in your community is substantial, and it is important that such animals are not living in our communities. Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 Animals registered under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 are not permitted in PCH properties. 6
Pit Bull Terrier Type: General Description Head: - Rectangular, box-shaped and heavy in comparison to body - Broad jawbones with strongly developed cheek and jaw muscles - Broad skull with strongly developed nostrils - The ears are located high on the skull with the trips of the ears flopping sideways. Body: - The neck is short and muscular all the way up to the skull - The chest has ribs that are strongly curved and the chest and hindquarters are slim compared to the rest of the body - The back is muscular and short - The coat is short haired. Legs: - Front legs are straight and give a massive, sold impression - Hips are long and broad and continue on to become relatively long hind legs. Description provided by the UK Home Office. For full description see www.archive.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/cruelty/documents/ddnotice.pdf Neutering The Pet Advisory Committee (PAC) advises that dogs, cats and rabbits should all be neutered to keep the animal healthy. Advice on neutering can be obtained from a veterinary surgeon or animal welfare organisations. Many charities provide subsidised neutering services for those on state benefits. The contact details for charities which can help subsidise or even pay the costs can be found at the back of this document. Fouling Fouling of the land by animals can be a significant nuisance and all owners have a responsibility to prevent it from happening. The dangers to health from dog faeces are well known. Toxocara eggs released from faeces can live in soil for years and can cause unpleasant symptoms in humans, including blindness. For babies and toddlers these symptoms can be lethal. 7
Who should I contact with a pets nuisance incident?... Dogs barking Suspected dog breeding PCH: Report the nuisance to your Housing Officer... PCH: Report the nuisance to your Housing Officer... Fouling in gardens PCH: Report the nuisance to your Housing Officer 8... Fouling in the street Roaming dogs and strays Plymouth City Council Animal Health Team Telephone: 01752 304147... Plymouth City Council Animal Health Suspected animal Team - Telephone: 01752 304147 cruelty or neglect RSPCA Plymouth and South West Devon - Telephone: 0300 234 999... Plymouth City Council Animal Health Team Telephone: 01752 304147... Report a Devon and Cornwall Constabulary possible Telephone: 101 (or text 18001 101) dangerous dog PCH: Report the nuisance to your Housing Officer...
Guidance on keeping dogs Dogs need their own allocated space, and need a bed area large enough to allow them to lie flat on their side. Owners should consider this when choosing a breed. To give an idea of the size of a dog breed, please see the guide below. Giant breeds (50-90kg / 110-198 lbs) Breeds in this group include: Great Dane Irish Wolfhound St Bernard Mastiff Large breeds (30-50kg / 66-110 lbs) Breeds in this group include: Golden Retriever Labrador German Shepherd Dogs Medium breeds (10-30kg / 22-66 lbs) Breeds in this group include: Collie Whippet Lurcher Small breeds (less than 10kg / 22lbs) Breeds in this group include: Collie Whippet Lurcher 9
Barking Barking comes naturally to dogs, but the constant barking or whining of a dog can be disturbing or annoying for the neighbours. In law, a barking dog can be a noise nuisance. The owner can be taken to court if they do nothing to stop the nuisance. There are many reasons why your dog may bark: Loneliness Attention seeking Medical problems Boredom or frustration Defending their territory Tips and Tricks 1 1. Some dogs will bark because of what they see outside. If this is a problem, try leaving your dog so that he cannot see outside. 2. Some dogs will settle only if they can hear a human voice. Leaving a radio on at low volume might help. Try not to leave your dog for long periods. However, if you have to, try and get someone to look after them. If this is not possible there are other ways of reducing barking. Dogs need to get used to their owners being away for different lengths of time at different times of the day. Try putting the dog on its own in another room. Gradually build up the time the dog is left alone for. Do not return to your dog until he is quiet, and praise him afterwards. Feed and exercise the dog before going out and leave some fresh water. Make sure the dog is comfortable. Check the bed is comfortable and the room is not hot or too cold, and that there is enough ventilation. If returning after dark, leave a light on. 3. You can ask the vet to refer the dog to an animal behaviourist who is an expert and can suggest ways to improve your dog s behaviour. 1 Information taken from Pet Advisory Committee (2012); Tips for Owners: Barking: http://www.petadvisory.org.uk/?q=content/tips-owners-barking 10
Guidance on keeping cats Cats are the most common pet in the UK. Although cats need a safe domestic area where they feel comfortable, they are usually happiest roaming around freely. The contact details for charities which can advise on litter training can be found in the directory at the back of this document. However, cat fouling in other peopleʼs gardens and window boxes can be a problem. To minimise this, all cats need a litter tray (at least one per cat). 11
Guidance on keeping birds According to the Animal Welfare Act 2006, it is illegal to keep a bird in a cage in which it cannot fully stretch its wings in every direction. It is unreasonable to keep a bird in such a restricted environment except on a temporary basis, such as overnight accommodation. Where more than one bird is kept in one enclosure, it is essential that there is enough space for all birds to perch at the same time. Our policy states that in some circumstances, where properties have exclusive use of a garden, permission for a bird aviary may be given. 12
Guidance on keeping rabbits Rabbits can live in small neutered groups in a hutch with an attached exercise area. The hutch must be properly constructed so that it is weatherproof and secure from predators. The hutch must always be tall enough for an adult rabbit to sit up on its hind legs and stretch out full length. Where more than one adult animal is kept together, enough space must be available for them all to perform this at the same time. The exercise area should be as large as possible. Putting it on a paved area will make it easier to clean and will also prevent the rabbit from digging. A permanent or movable run may also be sited on the grass to allow the rabbit to graze. It is essential to provide a secure lid and some sort of shade in hot weather. Rabbits can also be kept in the home. They can be trained to use a litter tray. The owner must be able to dispose of soiled bedding and litter, either in the rubbish or by composting it. Rabbits are prone to chew objects. Electric cables are a significant risk and fixtures and fittings will also need some protection. 13
Guidance on keeping domestic rodents Domestic rodents do not need much living space but their accommodation should be the right size for the species and numbers kept. The accommodation should also be well-maintained and always hygienic. The animals need to have appropriate outlets for physical and mental stimulation, such as digging and nest building; a running wheel alone is not enough. Some species should be kept on their own and others as a pair. Where a pair of animals is kept, the owner should determine the sex of each animal when they are bought in order to prevent fighting and unwanted litters. As a guide, the following should be kept together: Mice and Rats same sex pair Russian Hamster same sex pair Gerbils same sex pair Syrian Hamster individual Guinea pigs same sex pair (Note: Male guinea pigs can be kept as a pair only when raised together from birth. Unrelated males, raised separately, will fight). 14
Guidance on keeping reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates In general, the environment in which any exotic animal is kept should be designed and constructed by someone with knowledge of their natural behaviour. Many exotic animals and reptiles (such as iguanas, lizards, snakes, terrapins, snails and spiders) naturally carry bacteria and diseases that are transmissible and harmful to people. Care sheets provided by pet suppliers may give advice on this issue but tenants who keep any exotic creatures should also discuss these issues with their vet or local environmental health department and find out whether they should carry out tests on the animal in order to protect themselves, their family and friends. Owners should always wash their hands after handling such animals, using hot water and soap. Animals registered under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, such as poisonous snakes and lizards, are not permitted in PCH properties. 15
Useful contacts Plymouth Community Homes City Centre Shop 16-18 Frankfort Gate Plymouth PL1 1QD Tel: 01752 389778 Plymouth Community Homes Plumer House Tailyour Road Crownhill Plymouth PL6 5DH RSPCA Plymouth & South West Devon Branch Tel: 0300 1234 999 www.rspca.org.uk Cats Protection League Plymouth and South Hams P0 Box 206, Plymouth Tel: 0845 3712753 Plymouth City Council Animal Health Team Plymouth City Council Plymouth PL1 2AA Tel: 01752 304147 E-mail: animals@plymouth.gov.uk Gables Farm Dogs & Cats Home 204 Merafield Road Plymouth PL7 1UQ Tel: 01752 331602 www.gablesfarm.org.uk Peoples Dispensary Sick Animals (PDSA) Tel: 0800 731 2502 www.pdsa.org.uk Woodside Animal Welfare Trust Woodside Sanctuary Elfordleigh, Plympton Plymouth, PL7 5ED Tel: 01752 347503 www.woodsidesanctuary.org.uk 16
Plymouth Community Homes Responsible Pet Owners Agreement Name/s Address Postcode Contact Details I have read or had read to me, and understood, the Plymouth Community Homes. I will comply with the PCH and will ensure that all persons living with me and any visitors do so. I understand a responsible pet owner is someone who has the knowledge and ability to care adequately for the health and well-being of their pet, as well as being able to control its behaviour effectively to avoid causing nuisance to others. I understand that if I breach the it may affect my tenancy. Signed and agreed by Housing Officer and tenant/s Housing officer: Name:... Office:... Signature:... Date:.../.../20... Tenant/s: Name:... Signature:... Date:.../.../20... Name:... Signature:... Date:.../.../20... Pet Information (Optional): Please write the number of pets in the boxes below Dog Cat Small Mammal Reptile Bird Fish For Cats and Dogs please complete the details overleaf: Cut out and return to your Housing Officer
Pet 1 Animal type Name Sex Has the animal been neutered? Microchip/Tattoo Number: Breed Colour Age (approx) Approximate body weight kgs/lbs Pet 2 Animal type Name Sex Has the animal been neutered? Microchip/Tattoo Number: Breed Colour Age (approx) Approximate body weight kgs/lbs Pet 3 Animal type Name Sex Has the animal been neutered? Microchip/Tattoo Number: Breed Colour Age (approx) Approximate body weight kgs/lbs Pet 4 Animal type Name Sex Has the animal been neutered? Microchip/Tattoo Number: Breed Colour Age (approx) Approximate body weight kgs/lbs Cut out and return to your Housing Officer
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Contact numbers Repairs 0808 230 6500/01752 237990 0800 917 9459 (5pm to 7am) Debit/Credit card Payment Line 0844 557 8321 Head Office 0800 694 3101 City Centre Shop 01752 389778 Estover Team 0800 917 9496 Devonport Team 0800 917 9497 Whitleigh Team 0800 917 9498 North Prospect Team 0800 917 9499 Anti-social behaviour out of hours hotline 0800 028 7377 Housing with Support Team 0800 917 9452 Communities Team 0800 917 9455 Leaseholders 01752 388094 T E w 0800 6943101 info@plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk twitter.com/plymcommhomes facebook.com/plymouthcommunityhomes youtube.com/user/plymouthch Printed using materials from sustainable sources Community Benefit Society registration No: 30637R