Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association recognises the importance of pet ownership to many homes and those who live within them. We want our tenants to be able to own pets but we have a responsibility not only to the pet owner but also to others who may be affected by someone owning a pet. We also take the best interest of all animals extremely seriously and strive to ensure all pets who live within the homes of our tenants also have the opportunity to live a life free of fear and instead are well cared for and loved.
This section of the website will detail those things which must be done in order to have a pet while living in an MTHA property as well as outlining your legal responsibilities in relation to owning certain pets.
Applying to own a pet
Tenants wishing to own a pet must apply in writing to Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association for permission as part of the conditions of their tenancy agreement and can do so by filling in this form below.
Animal welfare
Tenants should read the Welsh Government’s Codes of Practices for their pet, which are available on the Welsh Government’s website https://beta.gov.wales/animal-welfare-pets.
Additional advice and guidance– on how to best look after specific animal types can be found
on the RSPCA’s website https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets.
Important legal information regarding dogs
Your dog must be micro chipped once it is eight weeks of age, unless exempt under The Micro chipping of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2015. Your details must be registered on an approved database and the record updated if you move or the dog is re homed. Scanning the microchip of a lost or stolen dog will assist in reuniting it with its owner. If you have any questions about micro chipping please speak to your vet or pet care specialist.
Your dog must wear a collar and identity tag when in a public place, unless exempt under
the Control of Dogs Order 1992. There are many different collars and harnesses available and it
is important you choose a collar that fits your pet correctly. By law (Control of Dogs Order 1992)
the collar must carry a tag with your name and address and, if possible, a contact telephone number on it.
Dangerous dogs act
Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 will apply to all requests for permission. Under the Act it is an offence to possess any dog of the type known as Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero and Japanese Tosa unless they have secured exemption from the prohibition.
This means that a court was satisfied that the dog posed no risk to public safety and has been placed on the Index of Exempted Dogs (IED). The owner must meet the conditions of exemption as follows:
● The dog must be neutered and micro chipped;
● The owner/keeper must take out (and renew each year) third party
insurance for the dog;
● The dog must only be taken out in public by someone over the age of
16, kept on a lead and muzzled when in public;
● The dog must not be bred from, gifted or otherwise disposed of and
● Registration on the IED
This list is subject to change by legislation; any changes to the list will apply to this procedure.
Dog Neutering
You should consider having your dog neutered. Not only will this avoid the consequences of unplanned mating’s but there are other benefits too. These include the avoidance of infections and cancers of the
tissues that are removed, for example infections of the uterus and ovarian cancers in bitches and testicular cancers in male dogs. There may also be behavioural benefits.
Benefits of neutering other animals
- Neutering has benefits that apply not only to dogs and cats but also to other animals such as rabbits and ferrets.
- Neutering prevents females coming into season, when they may attract unwanted male attention, become pregnant or have false pregnancies.
- Neutering prevents the risk of testicular cancer in males and uterus infections and cancers in females.
- In male dogs and cats, neutering can reduce urine marking and roaming.
- Neutering can reduce aggressive behaviour in mature male ferrets, as well as the smell often associated with them! Neutering a female ferret can also prevent often severe health problems such as alopecia and anaemia.
- Unspayed female animals can be messy when they come into season – during this time, females can bleed for up to three weeks.
- Animals don’t respect family relationships – siblings will mate. This increases the risk of offspring with birth defects and deformities.
- Neutering animals can reduce the risk of them being stolen for breeding.
- Vet fees for problems during or after pregnancy and birth can be expensive. Offspring might need veterinary attention too.
- Owners have a responsibility to meet their animal’s needs under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Pregnant and nursing animals need even more care, and their offspring will be equally as demanding. When the young are ready to be re homed, you need to ensure that they are vaccinated, wormed and flea treated, which you will also need to be able to afford.
For more information on neutering follow this link. https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/neutering
Who to turn to for help with pets
RSPCA 24-hour cruelty line 0300 1324 999
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets – lots of advice and information on
pet care etc.
PDSA (People’s dispensary for sick animals) 0800 731 2502 http://www.pdsa.org.uk
Follow the link below to go to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
where there is a list of registered vets in Merthyr Tydfil.
https://findavet.rcvs.org.uk
