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Surrounded by unused and neglected buildings, vacant ground, and cuttings for the underground
railway system it is becoming more and more difficult to keep them clear of vermin (mice). However,
by constant attention to order and discipline of stowage and cleanliness, satisfactory
standards are being maintained.
Pest control firms have contracts with the cold stores and many of the food businesses and
friendly co-operation with these firms has been achieved and maintained, especially in connection
with the cold stores.
Vermin Infestation
The responsibility for control of vermin in the Market is assumed by the Corporation and is
under the supervision of the Clerk & Superintendent who has been informed of any repair or
maintenance work necessary for control or where baiting is required.
Reference elsewhere has been made to the difficulty of controlling vermin in ancient and
delapidated buildings. In addition the immunity gradually developed by mice to some poisons
makes the task of control more difficult. Constant attention to repair and cleanliness of all
food premises is essential to success.
DISEASES OF ANIMALS ACT 1950 & ASSOCIATED ACTS
Mr. G.S. Wiggins, M.R.C.V.S., Veterinary Officer for the City of London, has submitted the
following report:-
"The administration of the Diseases of Animals Act 1950, with the exception of imported
animals, is the responsibility of the individual London Boroughs. The Corporation of London
acts, on an agency basis, for seventeen London Boroughs under this Act and Associated Acts.
In 1972, which was the seventh year in which agency arrangements were in operation, a total of
1740 visits of inspection were made to 780 premises which the Corporation undertook to visit.
These included animal boarding establishments, animal hospitals, cattle and poultry shows,
circuses, dolphinariums, farms, kosher and other butchers and poulterers, market stalls, parks,
pet shops, piggeries, research laboratories, riding establishments, slaughterhouses, theatres,
zoos, etc.
The work carried out under these Acts and Orders included the following:Psittacosis
or Ornithosis Order 1953
Enquiries were carried out concerning cases of suspected psittacosis in the London 3oroughs
of Hammersmith, Richmond upon Thames and Islington. The first case, in January, concerned a
budgerigar which was purchased from a pet stall and died very soon after purchase. In the second
case two parrtos purchased from a pet stall died. This case occurred in September.
In February, a paraquet which had been sold to a pet shop died. The carcase was taken to a
laboratory where psittacosis was confirmed. A further case occurred in May when a person in
hospital was found to be suffering from psittacosis. She had been employed in a pet shop in the
London 3orough of Tower Hamlets. Restrictions were placed on the shop for several weeks.
Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970
Services under these Acts are carried out on behalf of eleven London Boroughs. Forty riding
establishments were inspected for re-licensing purposes and investigations were made following
complaints. It was also necessary for evidence to be given in Court concerning one establishment.
Pet Animals Act 1951
Seven London Boroughs require the Corporation to carry out visits to pet shops in their
areas. There is one pet shop in the City of London. 117 such shops received regular visits of
inspection and recommendations concerning re-licensinn were submitted to the 3oroughs. Club
Row and Shepherds Bush Markets were also visited and pet stalls at these markets were inspected.
Apart from the regular visits of inspection, a number of visits were made to investigate
complaints from members of the public.
Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
The Corporation carries out services under this Act for five London Boroughs and visits of
inspection were made to thirty one animal boarding establishments. Reports were submitted
concerning re-licensing. The service was also used in a consultative capacity and to investigate
complaints.
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