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RAG FLOCK AND OTHER FILLING MATERIALS ACT, 1951
The Rag Flock and Other Filling Materials Act is designed to secure the use of
clean filling materials in upholstered articles and other articles which are
stuffed or lined.
Four premises are registered for the use of filling materials for upholstery
purposes. Samples of these materials proved satisfactory on examination.
DESTRUCTION OF PIGEONS AND FOXES
The complaints received during 1971 showed, as in previous years, that the two
worst affected sites were in Forest Hill and Catford. These were treated by contractors
and 87 birds were destroyed at the Forest Hill site and 475 at the Catford
site. The pigeon catchers, who are employed on a part-time basis, investigated the
remainder of the complaints and paid regular visits to badly affected sites, such as
railway bridges and churches. Some 2,842 birds as well as many eggs and nests
were destroyed. The feeding of pigeons by the general public is still a great problem
and if this diminished there is no doubt that the number of birds would
be reduced.
The pigeon catchers also investigate complaints of foxes which are now more
frequently seen in Lewisham and during 1971, 18 foxes were destroyed.
PET ANIMALS ACT, 1951
During the year 24 premises were licensed as pet shops. In the main, the sale of
pets at these premises consists of cage birds and tropical and coldwater fish. In
general it has been found that pets are kept for sale under conditions which do
not call for any particular comment and in no case has it been found necessary
to attach special conditions for any licence which has been issued.
ANIMAL BOARDING ESTABLISHMENTS ACT, 1963
Under the above Act, no person may keep a boarding establishment for animals
(i.e. dogs or cats) except under the authority of a licence granted by the local
authority for the area in which the establishment is situated. One such licence
was granted during the year.
RIDING ESTABLISHMENTS ACT, 1964
There is one licensed riding establishment in the Borough. This is inspected and
supervised by the Council's Veterinary Officer, Mr. G. S. Wiggins, M.R.C.V.S.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
A number of contraventions of smoke control orders were reported by the
public health inspectors during the year. Most of the occupiers concerned had
purchased coal in paper bags. The provision of the Clean Air Act, 1968, which
prohibits the delivery, purchase or acquiring of unauthorised fuel for use in smoke
control areas, should reduce such contraventions.
Many of the complaints regarding smoke were in respect of smoke nuisances
from garden bonfires. These are not prohibited in smoke control areas but it is
an offence if the smoke causes a nuisance to the inhabitants of the neighbourhood
at any time.
Progress has been made in reducing the emission of smoke, grit and dust
from industrial premises.
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