View report page

requests for assistance exceeds our capabilities, householders are
advised as to the best, and safest, methods of destruction.
Ponds, ditches and other mosquito breeding grounds were sprayed
with insecticide as found necessary, with satisfactory results.
Sixty-three complaints of nuisance or damage caused by feral
pigeons were received. Pigeon traps were placed on suitable sites,
giving effect to a reduction in the number of birds. The situation regarding
the positive reduction in the number of pigeons is still very
unsatisfactory, and it is to be hoped that a definite policy might be
adopted by either London Borough Authorities collectively, or by the
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Pet Animals Act, 1951.
Twelve licences to keep Pet Shops were issued during 1966.
Twenty-five visits were made to these premises to ensure compliance
with the conditions attached to the licences.
Animal Boarding Establishments Act, 1963.
There is one licensed animal boarding establishment in the
Borough. Only cats are boarded and cared for, and the premises
were inspected several times during the year.
The Riding Establishments Act, 1964.
Four applications for licences were received during the year,
three of which were granted. The fourth application in respect of
premises in Mitcham was not granted, the refusal being based upon
the report of the Council's Veterinary Officer. The applicant did not
appeal against the refusal.
Diseases of Animals Act, 1950.
No outbreaks of disease occurred within the Borough during
1966. Copies of Orders made by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Food in respect of outbreaks elsewhere of foot and mouth disease,
swine fever and foul pest were received. Numerous Movement
Licences authorising the transfer of pigs from areas covered by Swine
Fever Orders to the slaughterhouse at Mitcham, were received during
the year.
Clean Air Act, 1956.
During 1966, 131 complaints were received with regard to smoke
or grit emission, and the necessary observations were made and
remedial action taken.
Legal proceedings were instituted against the occupier of a
dwelling house situated in the area covered by the Wimbledon (No.
3) Smoke Control Order, 1963, for permitting smoke to be emitted
from a chimney, caused by the burning of unauthorised fuel. The
defendant, who pleaded guilty, was fined £5 with £3 3s. costs.
During 1966 also, the London Borough of Croydon appealed
against the refusal of the London Borough of Merton to allow the
continued burning of rubbish on a site near Hundred Acre Bridge,
Mitcham Common. An Inquiry was held by the Minister of Housing
and Local Government, and I was instructed to give evidence. The
appeal was dismissed.
72