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27
It is now the duty of the local authority to take such steps as may be
necessary to secure so far as practicable that their district is kept free
from rats and mice, and, in particular—
(a) from time to time to carry out such inspections as may be
necessary for the purpose aforesaid;
(b) to destroy rats and mice on land of which they are the occupier
and otherwise to keep such land so far as practicable free
from rats and mice;
(c) to enforce the duties of owners and occupiers of land under the
Act, and to carry out such operations as are necessary in
connection therewith.
So far as occupiers of land are concerned (except as hereinafter stated)
they are now under an obligation to give to the local authority forthwith
notice in writing if it comes to their knowledge that rats or mice are living
on or resorting to the land in substantial numbers.
In the case of every person whose business consists of or includes the
manufacture, storage, transport or sale of food, the foregoing requirement
regarding infestation has to be given to the Minister of Agriculture and
Fisheries. In the case of ordinary retail food premises, etc., it is normally
the practice of the Ministry to refer such complaints to the Local Authority
for disinfestation and any other necessary action.
Under the old Act most of the above duties fell upon the individual
occupier, the local authority having power to enforce the requirements
in case of default.
The Council employ two rodent operators for dealing with rats and
mice complaints. Complaints of other pests and vermin are dealt with
by the disinfecting staff.
The number of complaints of rodents received during the year was
662, of which 315 related to rats and 347 to mice. The figures for 1949
were 597, of which 290 were rat and 307 mice infestation.

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