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Under this Act the onus of destroying these vermin is placed upon
the "occupier" of land, and he is enjoined to take such steps as may from
time to time be necessary and reasonably practicable for the destruction
of rats and mice on or in any land of which he is the "occupier," or for
preventing such land from becoming infested with rats or mice. In
default, he is liable on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £5,
or not exceeding £20, where he has been served with a Notice under the
Act requiring him to take such steps.
Where land is not occupied by any tenant or other person, the
expression "occupier" means the "owner" of the land.
The expression "land," includes any buildings and any other erection
on land and any cellar, sewer, drain or culvert in or under land.
In London the Metropolitan Borough Councils are charged with the
duty of executing and enforcing this Act.
The Act permits a Local Authority having power to enforce it, from
time to time, by public notice within its area, to give instructions as to
the most effective methods that can be adopted, both individually and
collectively, to destroy rats and mice; and it further orders local
authorities, as far as it may be possible, to take or secure collective
action for the destruction of rats or mice.
A Local Authority under the Act has also power, after not less than
24 hours' previous notice to the occupier, to enter upon his land and
take such steps as are necessary and reasonably practicable for the purpose
of destroying the rats and mice thereon or for preventing the land from
becoming infested; and it may recover any reasonable expenses so incurred
from the occupier of the land, summarily as a civil debt. A person
authorised in writing by a Local Authority under the Act may enter any
land in the district of such local authority to ascertain whether steps are
being taken to destroy rats and mice on the land or to prevent the
infestation thereof by rats and mice; or for the purpose of executing and
enforcing the Act in any other respect.
The present procedure in dealing with Rat Complaints is as follows:—
(1) The inspector visits, looks for evidence of rat infestation,
endeavours to trace the source of the trouble, and in all cases
tests the drains and leaves pamphlets on the destruction of rats
and mice with the occupier, and arranges for a supply of poison.