Purpose

Introduction of new policy outlining the approach to giving
residents of temporary accommodation permission to have
pets.  It is widely accepted that pets
provide people with companionship.  The
Council recognises the benefits that having a pet can bring but we
must ensure that there are controls in place to prevent
irresponsible pet ownership which can cause suffering to animals,
nuisance to other residents and damage to accommodation.

Decision

RESOLVED:
 
1.     
That the adoption of the Temporary Accommodation Pet
Policy (Appendix B) to enable the Council to make consistent
decisions when giving residents permission to keep a pet and how to
deal with reports of pet nuisance be approved.
 
2.     
That  the Head of
Housing, Health and Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet
Member for Housing and Communities be delegated to make any minor
changes to the Temporary Accommodation Pet Policy as may become
necessary be approved.

Reasons for the decision

Implementing this policy will ensure that the Council is able to
make consistent decisions and promote responsible pet ownership in
the Council’s owned, leased and procured temporary
accommodation and to make sure they do not cause a nuisance to
other residents or cause damage to accommodation.

Alternative options considered

Not
implementing this policy would result in the Council continuing to
make decisions on an ad-hoc basis with no formal process in
place.