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37
In conjunction with the Borough Engineer's Dept., the treatment
of sewers has been carried out four times during the past
12 months. On each occasion sodium fluoroacetate(1080) has been
used to poison the rats. Again a marked reduction in the number
of rats in the sewers has been noticed.
One case of Weil's disease was reported, but it is pleasing
to note that the sewerman concerned is making good recovery.
The co-operation of the general public in so far as rodents
are concerned has been good, and it has not been necessary to
serve any notice in connection with matters under this Act.
Number of complaints received Business premises 52
Domestic premises 193
Additional Infestations found Business premises 982
Domestic premises 160
Number of premises treated Business premises 1,034
Domestic premises 353
Total number of visits to Business premises 14,626
Domestic premises 8,904
Pet Animals:
The Pet Animals Act, 1951 requires that all premises,
including shops and stalls, where pets are sold, shall be licensed
annually by the local authority.
Six licenses were issued by the Council during 1959 viz, 3
in respect of shops, 2 in respect of stalls and 1 in respect of
premises used for the breeding and sale of tropical fish. Except
for the latter the amount of trade in pet animals and birds is
comparatively small and no difficulties have arisen in connection
with the implementation of the Act.
All the premises were inspected during the year, a total of
5 formal visits being made.
Heating Appliances:
The Heating Appliances(Firequards) Act 1952 and the
Regulations made thereunder are enforced by the Health Dept.
Inspections were made of shops, warehouses and stalls known to be
selling new or second-hand gas, electric or oil fires to ensure
that such appliences were adequately guarded in accordance with
the standards laid down in the Regulations. Where necessary the
prescribed probe, weight and burning tests were carried out by
the Inspectors.