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In addition the occupier of land is also under a legal obligation to
give the local authority written notice if it comes to his knowledge
that rats and mice are living on or resorting to his land in substantial
numbers. The purpose of this notice is to enable the local authority
either to require the individual occupier or owner to deal with the
matter or for the local authority themselves to take the necessary
steps by dealing not only with that property but with adjoining
property.
Notification of Rats or Mice on Food Premises.
Under the Act owners and occupiers of food premises are
required to notify the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and
NOT the local authority of any infestation of their premises by rats,
mice, insects, etc., which involves the immediate or potential risk of
substantial loss of, or damage to, food. The local authority are kept
informed of any such notification received by the Ministry if the
infestation includes rodents, to enable appropriate action to be taken.
The local authority have full powers under Part I of the Act to
inspect and require action to be taken against rodents in the food
premises or other property, by service of formal notice on owner or
occupier as appropriate.
Exchequer Grants.
In order to qualify for Exchequer Grant in relation to rodent
control the local authority must comply with the following
conditions:
That the local authority:—
(i) maintains an organisation adequate to the requirements
for effective rodent control, according to the condition of
infestation in its area;
(ii) complies with the Ministry requirements on the methods
to be employed;
(iii) in particular, pays special attention to efficient rodent
control in its sewers, refuse dumps, refuse destructors,
and its other public service properties, and carries out
periodical treatment in accordance with the guidance
given by the Ministry, unless specifically exempted by
the Ministry; and
(iv) takes effective action for the control of rats and mice in
all surface properties by securing full compliance of
occupiers or entering and carrying out necessary treatment.