Application for permission to keep a pet

You may keep a dog, cat or a small caged pet or fish in a small aquarium if your property is suitable and you have written permission from your housing officer.

If you want to replace any dog, cat, caged pet or any other animal for which we have given permission, you must notify us in writing and obtain our permission to keep the new animal or pet.

If permission is given to keep a dog or dogs; it will be on condition that each dog is microchipped and relevant owner details recorded are kept up to date.

The dog(s) must not cause any damage to your home or cause nuisance, danger or harm to any other person in or around the locality.

You are allowed to keep assistance dogs either for yourself or members of your household.

Permission will not be granted for dogs which fall under the Dangerous Dogs Act or other legislation.

We will not, normally, grant permission to have more than 2 dogs, cats or other pets and we will not give permission if we think your home is unsuitable for your pet or would cause a nuisance or danger to any other person.

Permission to have domestic pets may be withdrawn at any time.

You are not allowed to breed or sell pets from your property or in and around the locality.

You must not keep an animal or pet on a balcony or any shared area.

Your households’ or visitors’ pets must not be allowed to foul the inside of your property or any communal areas.

Under the Control of Dogs Order (1992) a dog must wear a collar and tag giving the owner’s name/address at all times while in public and must be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when walking on estates.

You must not allow your dog to roam free in any communal area or on the estate.

We will charge you the cost if we have to clean up after a pet, or repair damage caused by a pet, which is owned by you, a member of your household, a lodger, sub-tenant or visitor.

You must not keep livestock or any wild animal as a pet.

This agreement should be read in conjunction with your tenancy or leasehold agreement and the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, Dog Control Order Regulations 2006, which state that it is an offence to:

• Fail to remove dog faeces in any public space borough-wide.
• Not putting and keeping a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer borough-wide;

Permitting a dog to enter land from which dogs are excluded-specific areas where there is signage such as enclosed play areas / communal green areas. The penalty for such an offence is currently (may be subject to change) is:

• A fixed penalty notice requiring payment of £80 within fourteen days (£50 if paid within 10 days).
• Failure to pay a fixed penalty notice may result in a prosecution.
• A person who is guilty of an offence shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale (£1000).

Failure to abide by the conditions of this agreement may be deemed a breach of tenancy or lease and may result in legal action.

As a responsible dog owner you confirm that you will:

• keep a collar and name tag on your dog at all times, with your name and address clearly marked;
• keep your dog under control at all times;
• clear up your dog’s faeces and dispose of it hygienically;
• ensure your dog is not left alone for long periods of time in your property;

In addition, you will not allow your dog to:

• foul on staircases, walkways, courtyards, any communal areas or dwellings, including your own property;
• roam unaccompanied around landings, walkways, communal areas, grassed areas or any other part of the block or estate;
• bark so that it causes, or is likely to cause, harm, distress, nuisance or annoyance to others.

Breeding of dogs is not permitted.

Permission for you to keep the dog could be withdrawn if you breach any of the terms of this agreement.

If a dog dies or no longer lives with you, you will need to apply for permission again to keep another dog.