Agenda Item No_____14_______
ANIMAL CONTROL UPDATE
Summary:
Animal Control Update
Conclusions:
Animal Control team is integrated fully into the work of
the Environmental Protection Team. The stray dog
Kennel Contract is let and the Approved Pest Control
company contract is pending.
Recommendations:
No recommendations but members are asked to
note the contents of the report
Cabinet Member(s)
John Lee
Ward(s) affected: All
Contact Officer, telephone number and email: Mark Whitmore ext 6206
mark.whitmore@north-norfolk.gov.uk
1.
Introduction
1.1
This report is for information only and updates members on the current
position with regard to the Animal Control Team, specifically changes in staff
numbers, the Stray Dog Kennel Contract and the Pest Control service.
2.
Changes to the Animal Control Team
2.1
Since the last update to members in September 2011 there have been
changes to the structure of the Animal Control Team. With effect from the 17
July 2012 the post of Animal Control Officer was made redundant This was a
full time equivalent post. The work undertaken by the post holder, which
comprised of enforcing the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act and the Dog
Control Orders, as well as assisting officers with drainage and surveillance
work will be taken up by the Environmental Protection team, supported by the
Animal Control Assistant.
Suitable training for the Environmental Protection Officers to enable the
effective enforcement of the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act is being
investigated.
3.
Kennel Contract
3.1
The Kennel Contract with Norstead Hall kennels has been signed and the
new contract is now in force. The most significant change that members are
asked to note, is that there is now a fixed price for collection of dogs by the
kennels of £62.50. This replaces the previous rate which was based on
mileage covered. This produced an inequality in the fees charged to owners
of stray dogs and the council, in cases where dogs were not claimed.
4.
Pest Control Service – Pest Express
4.1
This service continues to be undertaken by our preferred supplier Pest
Express Ltd. New arrangements for monitoring standards of service are
currently being discussed and will added as part of the new contract
agreement being discussed with the company. These new conditions will
allow for greater scrutiny of the work provided by Pest Express as our
approved contractor.
5.
Conclusion
The work of the Animal Control Officer will be absorbed into the
Environmental Protection Team, which will require training of approximately
ten officers.
The kennel contract has been let with changes to the pricing structure for
collection of stray dogs.
Pest Express Ltd continue to provide a domestic pest control service on
behalf of the Council, a new monitoring programme will be introduced as part
of contract discussions.
6.
Implications and Risks
The loss of an experienced Animal Control Officer will present short term
risks whilst training is delivered to the Environmental Protection Officers.
The change in pricing for collection of stray dogs may give rise to challenges,
specifically from residents in the immediate vicinity of North Walsham who
may consider the costs to be high when compared to the distance travelled.
However this should be weighed against costs of over £100 for collection of
dogs in the west of the District.
7.
Financial Implications and Risks
The changes in kennel fees are minimal and have been considered as part of
the department’s budget planning. No significant financial implications are
anticipated.
8.
Sustainability
There are no significant sustainability issues identified as part of this report.
9.
Equality and Diversity
Equality and Diversity has been considered, there are no issues arising from
this report.
10.
Section 17 Crime and Disorder considerations
There are no Section 17 considerations associated with this report.