Angus residents could be forced to choose between their beloved pets and their homes under a new “pet police” policy.
Only one cat or dog will be allowed in council houses under proposals which will leave people facing difficult decisions.
New tenants would have to ask for permission to keep a pet and this would be limited to a maximum of one dog or cat per household.
Housing officers would visit tenants who make an application to keep a pet and tell them if they are successful within 28 days.
The policy also states that a rat or mouse can be kept “with permission” but “farm animals” cannot be kept in the garden.
The Angus Pet Policy states that people who have more than one cat or dog already “may be granted permission” to keep them.
The checklist is being drawn up by council chiefs in response to problems with pets which cause a “nuisance” in neighbourhoods.
The pet policy is being recommended for approval by councillors at Tuesday’s communities committee in Forfar.
A report from Vivien Smith, head of planning and place, states: “Problems with dog fouling and nuisance from pets are prevalent throughout the area and are having an impact on our neighbourhoods. There is no consistency at present with regards to tenants having to request permission to keep a pet, despite it being a condition in their tenancy agreement.
“The main changes proposed by this policy are to ensure that a consistent approach is taken with regards to written permission to keep a pet.
“All new tenants will have to apply for permission and existing tenants will have to apply for permission for any additional pets to the household following the policy implementation date. Information will be recorded on the pets we have in our properties and the policy introduces clear guidance as to when and how action can be taken to resolve issues with nuisance pets.
“Holding these details will also ensure the council is aware of any animals being kept in the property in the event of any emergency or eviction proceedings.”
All tenants will have the right to appeal against any decision which is made within 21 days.
Dog owner and Carnoustie councillor Bill Bowles said: “It does seem a little bit Big Brother for tenants to have to register their pets. Is there really a need to take this approach? I have to question that.”
The “pet police” policy includes the following:Permission will only be granted for a maximum of one dog or cat per household. If the animal is not a domestic pet, such as wild animals, primates, livestock, poultry or horses then permission will not be granted because these are not suitable to be kept in a domestic property and/or garden.