Agenda and draft minutes

The Chair will consider the admission of any late items of urgent business. Where the item is already included on the agenda, it will appear under that item but new items of urgent business will be dealt with at item 6.

None notified

A member with a personal interest in a matter who attends a meeting of the Authority at which the matter is considered must disclose to that meeting the existence and nature of that interest at the commencement of that consideration, or when the interest becomes apparent.

A member with a personal interest in a matter also has a prejudicial interest in that matter if the interest is one which a member of the public with knowledge of the relevant facts would reasonably regard as so significant that it is likely to prejudice the member’s judgement of the public interest.

None notified

To consider Homes for Haringey’s Pets and Stray Animal Procedures for tenants on their estates – attached.

ANIMAL WLEFARE IN HARINGEY – HOMES FOR HARINGEY

Angelia Miller-Moore, Team Leader Tenancy Management [Homes for Haringey] presented a report outlining the procedures for Homes for Haringey’s tenants regarding their pets and stray animal welfare.  A mock inspection was carried out by Housing Quality Network in May 2005 which flagged up matters of residents concerns around environmental issues [damages and nuisance) on their estates. To reduce the incidence of nuisance and improve the environment a procedure (Dealing with Pets & Stray Animals) was proposed.  A copy of the procedure is attached.

Issues raised by the Panel:

Is there a connection between Domestic Violence and cruelty to animals?

We discussed the issue of cruelty to animals and domestic violence.

The Panel was aware that over the past 20 years there has been a growing recognition of the link between cruelty to animals, domestic violence and the maltreatment of children. The NSPCC and the RSPCA highlighted this issue.

 
? Do domestic violence perpetrators frequently maltreat animals to threaten, coerce, silence or intimidate their human victims?

? Do adults who mistreat animals present a risk of abuse to children or, on the other hand, do adults who abuse children pose a risk to animals?

There has been report on one study that found that most child welfare agencies do not include animal cruelty as part of their assessment.

The panel were of the view that Homes for Haringey should have mechanisms and procedures in place to ensure that officers are aware of the possible links with cruelty to animals, domestic violence child abuse. That there should be liaison between Homes for Haringey, Adult Services and Children & Young People Services to ensure that these services are joined-up and are vigilant to these issues.

Dangerous dogs

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1989 and 1991 gave the local authority and the police powers to deal with dangerous dogs. It is considered an offence to be in possession of a dog bred for the purpose of fighting or aggressive acts.

Where a dog is considered be dangerous dog the Tenancy Management Officer  report the matter to the police.

The Panel felt that all agencies should be involved to ensure that the matter is dealt with holistically e.g. RSPCA the Police and Social Services.

Where calls about anti social behaviour involve dangerous dogs are logged by the Anti Social Behaviour Team, these should be fed back to Homes for Haringey.

Dog micro-chipping scheme

It was noted that Wandsworth council tenants who want to keep a dog will be required to have it micro-chipped as part of their housing regulations.

The scheme has the backing of the RSPCA, which says it will be an important test case for finding out if micro-chipping can be used successfully in the fight against anti-social behaviour. 

Evictions.

In cases of evictions including rent arrears the Tenancy Management Officer/Income Officer shall contact the Animal Warden at least 1 week prior to the eviction to make arrangements to attend where the presence of a pet animal could jeopardise the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

To agree a timetable for the next meetings of the Panel.

To be advised

To deal with any items of urgent business admitted at item 2 above.

Yuniea Semambo                                                                Sharon Miller

Head of Members Services                                                   Principal Scrutiny Support Officer

225 River Park House                                                           Tel No: 020 8489-2928

Wood Green N22 4HQ                                                   Sharon.miller@haringey.gov.uk    

None submitted