Issue - items at meetings - Housing Management Pets Policy

29.1         The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Executive Director – Environment, Development & Housing on Housing Management Pet Policy. The report was presented by Ms Hitchens, Senior Neighbourhood Officer. The report provided information on the proposed new pet policy.

29.2         Councillor Farrow thanked officers for the excellent report. He referred to paragraph 9 of the policy relating to keeping reptiles, amphibians and spiders and asked whether the authority should consider not allowing reptiles to be kept as pets. Councillor Peltzer Dunn referred to paragraph 4.8 and noted there was some confusion over neutering of pets. Officers agreed that the wording was confusing and that it would be amended. With regard to reptiles, the policy did recommend that tenants did not keep them and if they did, would need to prove they would be kept appropriately. The RSPCA would be involved in any assessment.

29.3         Ms Hayes asked what would happen to tenants who currently kept reptiles. The Chair confirmed that the policy was not retrospective.

29.4         Councillors Davey and Peltzer Dunn both felt that it would be inappropriate to ban the keeping of reptiles, and whilst they may not agree with it, it was for individual to decide it they wanted to keep them as pets.

29.5         RESOLVED:

(1)               That the comments of the Sub Committee be noted

(2)               That the Sub Committee recommends to the Housing Committee that the Pet Policy be adopted.