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sewers where areas of old houses are demolished for development must be
raised. The owner of a demolished property has a statutory duty to notify
the Local Authority of the existance of a disused drain, so that the
officers of that Local Authority may see that the disused drain is sealed
off satisfactorily. Clearly, the only satisfactory place in which a disused
drain connection with the public sewer should be sealed off is at the
point of its junction with the sewer. In the case of sewers of such diameter
that a man may walk along this can be done easily and at small cost. In
small diameter sewers the cost can be considerable, but nevertheless unless
sealing off is carried out effectively, potential outlets for rats from
the sewers will exist for all time, increasing the need for both sewer and
surface treatment.
The following table summarises the work of the Rodent Control Staff
during 1969:-
PROPERTIES
TYPE OF PROPERTY
NON-AGRICULTURAL
1. Number of properties in district
65,435
2. a. Total number of properties
(including nearby premises)
inspected following notification
1,963
b. Number infested by (i) rats
693
(ii) mice
1,213
3. a. Total number of properties
inspected for rats and/or
mice for reasons other than
notifications
210
b. Number infested by (i) rats
6
(ii) mice
2
Pigeons
Pigeons in parks and open spaces are regarded by most people as an
attraction. They are fed and photographed during the day, and at night
return to roost in residential areas and become nuisances. Complaints of
such nuisances are increasing and a contractor is employed by the Council
to clear infestations where such action is justifiable. During the course
of the year 3,615 pigeons were shot or trapped in the Borough. However,
as each pocket is cleared of birds, it soon begins to fill again as food
continues to be made available.
Under present conditions eradication is not possible and our efforts
merely serve to control the numbers.
Diseases of Animals Act 1950
Action under this Act is undertaken for the Council by the Veterinary
Officer of the City of London.
The following are details from his report for the year under review:-
B.12