Pets can be a great source of companionship and enrich our lives. While we understand that you may want a pet, we do need to consider the impact this can have on your home and neighbours. That’s why you need to contact us to request permission to keep pets in all circumstances.
There are certain animals that we won’t give you permission to keep, including some breeds of dog, as well as wild, farm and poisonous animals, or endangered species.
But, of course, guide, hearing and enabling dogs will automatically be granted.
What are my responsibilities as a pet owner?
It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the welfare of your pet and adhere to good pet ownership practice.
The main legal responsibility for pet owners is the Animal Welfare Act 2006 which requires owners to have a positive duty of care, and outlaws neglecting of an animals’ basic need, such as access to adequate nutrition and veterinary care.
You’re responsible for keeping your pets under control and appropriately cared for. They shouldn’t roam unsupervised, be a nuisance to neighbours or foul any other property.
Torus will use guidance information from appropriate animal charities which gives general advice on pet ownership including neutering (spaying / castration), vaccinations, insurance etc. and on their responsibilities as pet owners.
You must make sure your pet doesn’t damage your home, if it does, we’ll have to recharge you the cost of any repairs.
Neutering saves lives and there are local and national charities that can help with low cost neutering (and in some case micro-chipping) for people find out more:
- Warrington Animal Welfare, Warrington and surrounding areas (Cats, Rabbits, Dogs)
- £5 neutering (Cats) - all Liverpool ‘L’ Postcodes as well as WA9, WA10 and WA11 areas
- Rescue Me Animal Sanctuary, Melling Liverpool (Cats)
- Cats Protection – financial assistance
- Dogs Trust – low cost neutering
- Neutering animals in Merseyside
Pet owners are also responsible for their pets when a Torus employee or contractor visits your home, we expect them to feel safe and respected by everyone who lives in the home, including your animal companions. Find out more about your responsibly to keep visitors safe and your pets under control here.
What kind of pets can I keep?
Permission will normally be granted for:
- small domestic animals – for example, dogs and/or cats and caged birds
Permission will not normally be granted for:
- farm animals – for example, sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, horses, chickens, and ducks
However, please note the type of property you live in will be a factor on getting permission for certain types of pets. We will discuss this with you individually.
I already have a pet; do I need to do anything?
If you already have a pet please contact us to register their details, especially if you live in a flatted block or supported housing.
You will also need to seek permission should you want to replace your pet, and permission will be based on evidence of your previous responsible pet ownership.
What happens if someone complains about my pet?
When Torus receives complaints about pets or pet ownership the Safer Estates Enforcement team will contact the pet owner to investigate and discuss the concerns.
What do I do if I suspect an animal’s being subjected to cruelty and/or neglect?
If you suspect that a neighbour is guilty of cruelty or neglect towards an animal then you can report this to the RSPCA.
Where a member of Torus staff witnesses cruelty or neglect, they will report this to the RSPCA. Where cruelty or neglect is reported to Torus by a third party, they will also report this to the RSPCA making it clear that they have not witnessed this themselves. The person reporting this to Torus will also be encouraged to contact the RSPCA.
Records on pet ownership will be kept within Torus and appropriate staff will have access to this information, should it be required.
How do I request permission to keep a pet?
You can request our permission to keep a pet in your home by emailing info@torus.co.uk.
There are certain conditions which need to be upheld as stated in your Tenancy Agreement.
We aim to process all applications for a pet within five working days in order for you to welcome your new pet into your home.