Are you thinking of getting a dog this Christmas?

With Christmas fast approaching you may find yourself under pressure from children to get a dog. Its easy to give in to pressure but have you considered the long term suitability of a dog?

If you own a dog, by law, you must look after it properly - if you don't, you could be fined and banned from owning animals.  You are responsible for:

• Making sure your dog wears a collar tag when out in a public place, so your dog can be returned to you if lost
• Cleaning up after your dog in public places / communal areas in flat blocks
• Keeping your dog under control in a public place / communal areas in flat blocks

There are also conditions in your Tenancy Contract for Keeping Pets or Animals including:

• It must not cause a nuisance or danger to persons or other animals. Nuisance includes excessive or persistent noise or smell caused by the animal. Keeping a large number of animals may cause a nuisance even each animal is acting in a normal manner.
• It must be kept under proper control at all times
• It must not cause damage to Council property, or to communal areas
• It must not be permitted to foul in any communal areas

It is normal for a dog to bark but constant barking or whining isn't normal dog behaviour. It can be disturbing and annoying for you and your neighbours. If you need help with this problem, you can contact a local dog trainer. Check your phone book or search online for trainers in your area.

If you don't tackle the problem, your neighbour could make a complaint to the council if your dog's barking is disturbing them or causing a nuisance. The Council’s Environmental Health Department will usually deal with the complaint.

We also have powers to take action against tenants who are breaching their tenancy agreement by causing nuisance to neighbours, including dogs that are not kept under proper control.

We will also refuse permission for you to own certain types of dog that are a ‘prescribed breed’ under The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, such as an American Pit Bull other wise known as American Staff Terrier.

Restrictions also apply other to animals included in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. Generally we will not grant permission to keep any wild or dangerous creature.

If you are in any doubt whether the animal you want to keep is suitable consult your Tenancy Advisor (tel; 01438 24266) or the Councils Animal Control Team (tel; 01438 242908 or 242916).