All Kettering council tenants will need to have written permission to keep a pet under a new policy.
According to Northamptonshire Telegraph, the authority is issuing a new pet policy to try and prevent “nuisance” animals affecting neighbours, as well as making sure pets are looked after responsibly.
Under the new guidelines, “dangerous dogs” will not be allowed as pets, alongside “wild animals, such as monkeys and livestock”.
Also, any pet owner who has previous animal cruelty convictions “will be refused permission”.
Under the new policy, anyone living in a sheltered accommodation flat will also be prevented from owning a pet and anyone who shares a communal garden will have to keep their dog on a lead as animals that live outside will not be allowed access.
The report, which is due to be discussed by Kettering council today (28 January) said: “Studies have shown that pet ownership can enhance the owner’s mental and physical health and encourage exercise, plus pets make great companions.
“However, while pets can have a very positive impact on their environment, irresponsibly owned pets can be the cause of much misery and suffering to the animals themselves and to those who live around them.
It continued: “The challenges – ranging from the high-profile issues of animal hoarding and intimidation with dogs, to the lower level but equally problematic issues of cat spraying and barking dogs – can be improved by having a clear and well enforced pet policy.”
“Tenants may keep more than two smaller animals such as rodents, birds, reptiles or fish, but the council will only give permission to keep a reasonable number of pets.”
