Agenda item

(Report of Cllr Dodds, Chair of the Scrutiny Review Panel) To present to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee the final report and recommendations of the Scrutiny Review of Animal Welfare in Haringey.

Received the Scrutiny Review report on Animal Welfare in Haringey and Cllr. Dodds’ introduction. 

In response to Members’ questions it was noted that more research was required into the link between animal abuse and child abuse.  Cllr. Jones expressed concerns that recommendations 11 and 12, relating to Zippo Circus, encouraged animal exploitation.

RESOLVED

Stray Dogs Footprints - Recommendations

1.         That the Committee recommend that the Council adopt the Community Animal Welfare Footprints scheme to measure its performance in animal welfare and sets the Bronze award as a minimum local target for 2009/2010. Once achieved, the Service should carry out an assessment into the feasibility of achieving Gold Standard.

2.         That the Committee recommends that the appointment of a Dog Warden should be a priority for the Service and that other strategic roles around animal are carried out as part of the duties of other posts.

3.         That the Committee recommends that the Urban Environment Directorate explore the idea of encouraging voluntary micro chipping or tattoo for all cats and dogs.

4.         That the Committee recommends the Urban Environment Directorate should look into whether or not there are any illegal dog breeding activities in the Borough and to take appropriate action against any individuals found to be breaking the law.

            Housing Footprints - Recommendations

5          That the Committee recommends that the Urban Environment Directorate carry out an assessment with Community and Strategic Housing for a commitment from Homes for Haringey for developing a Service           Level Agreement with Community and Strategic Housing Services; and Registered Social Landlords to ensure an effective animal welfare service across the borough.

6.         That the Committee recommends that the Urban Environment Directorate encourage Homes for Haringey to participate in educational initiatives to ensure that tenants and leaseholders are aware of issues relating to animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

            Contingency Planning - Recommendations

7.         That the Committee recommends that the Emergency Planning Officer work with Homes for Haringey and Registered Social Landlords to agree emergency contingency procedures to ensure a managed response for the evacuation of pets in the event of a local emergency.

            Animal Welfare Principles Footprint – Promoting Education &     Awareness – Recommendations

8.         That the Committee recommends the Urban Environment Directorate, as part of       the Corporate Animal Welfare Strategy, ensure that the Animal Welfare Education Program pull together existing resources and support from             local organisations such as Wood Green Animal Shelter and the RSPCA to ensure a proactive, co-ordinated education approach.

            The Link between Domestic Violence, Child Abuse and Animal Welfare          

9          That the Urban Environment Directorate consult with Homes for Haringey, Registered Social Landlords, Children and Young People Services and Adult Social Services; the RSPCA; Battersea Cats and Dogs Home and Wood Green Animal Shelter to devise appropriate procedures to enable the sharing of information when animal welfare issues, child abuse or domestic violence are brought to their attention. These bodies should be alert to animal abuse as a possible indicator or domestic violence and child abuse.

            A Corporate Animal Welfare Strategy

10        That the Committee recommends that the Urban Environment Services produce an Animal Welfare Charter/Policy for Haringey that this should include animals on allotments.

            Zippos Circus

11        That the Committee recommends that consideration be given to amending the current policy prohibiting the use of performing animals at organised events on Council land in order to allow animal circuses using domestic animals to be held on the Council’s open spaces.

12.       That the Committee recommends that procedures be put in place for the registration and inspection of any circuses under the relevant legislation as part of the event application process.