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28
.—from the great commercial and railway concerns to the individual householder—
as a result of the publicity given to the matter and the continuous propaganda of
the Council, are fully alive to the nuisance and possible danger from rats and mice,
and to the fact that the responsibility for getting rid of the vermin rests upon
them. Other factors probably contributing to the comparative freedom from rat
infestation have been the gradual modernisation of drainage systems throughout
the Borough, and the demolition of blocks of old buildings in many parts of the
district and their replacement by new structures."
Pigeons.
In relation to the nuisance caused by these birds, the Borough Council was not
given what may be called an official position until after the coming into operation of
Sec. 52 of the L.C.C. (General Powers) Act, 1927. In this section the Council
was empowered to seize and destroy, sell, or otherwise dispose of, or cause to be
seized, etc., house doves or pigeons in excessive numbers, if they believe them to be
without an owner. Ten complaints were made in 1931, and a similar number were
received in 1932, relating to business premises (in three cases), public buildings (3),
private dwellings (3) and a church in 1 instance. As in other years, as much
assistance as possible was given by the inspector (Mr, Willis) in charge of this
work to reduce the nuisance.
Fouling of footways by dogs
In enforcing the provisions of the bye-law with regard to this matter, great
assistance was obtained from the police, 19 prosecuions undertaken being on the
reports of police officers. In 16 cases the defendant pleaded guilty, and the fines
amounted to £8 5s. Od. In three cases service of the summons was not made.
Including these cases the total number of prosecutions since the bye-law came into
operation in 1928, is 21, the amount of fines imposed being £10 15s. 0d.
PREMISES AND OCCUPATIONS CONTROLLED BY BY-LAWS
AND REGULATIONS.