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Where possible practical help is given by the carrying out of
disinfestation work, but in certain cases reference is made to contractors
who specialise in control work.
The incidence of wasps was much higher than in previous years.
No charge is made for the destruction of nests, but this work, which
must invariably be carried out during the evening, can only be undertaken
when the nest is readily accessible. If the number of 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.
Fifty-six complaints of nuisance or damage by ferral 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,
but, nevertheless, 61 pigeons and 49 eggs were destroyed.
This includes night visits to four railway bridges to take birds which
were roosting, and one treatment with narcotic bait which was carried
out on local authority property, with the co-operation of the Ministry
of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Pet Animals Act, 1951.
Fifteen licences to keep Pet Shops were issued during 1970.
Twenty-three visits were made to these premises to ensure compliance
with the conditions attached to these licences.
The Riding Establishments Act, 1964.
The Riding Establishment Act of 1970, amended the 1964 Act
by giving power to local authorities to grant a provisional licence for
a period of three months. This enables the authority to observe carefully
the operation of any particular riding establishment during a
trial period before consideration is given to the granting of an annual
licence.
Three applications to renew existing licences were received, and
after inspection of the premises by the Inspectors, and by the Council's
Veterinary Officers (Gates and Serth, Members R.C.V.S., 102,
Brighton Road, Purley), the applications were approved and licences
granted.
Diseases of Animals Act, 1950.
No outbreaks of disease occurred within the Borough during
1970. A puppy dog, obtained by a local householder from a Surrey
district, affected by a Rabies Order, was the subject of a Notice issued
by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Visits were made
whilst the Notice was effective.
Clean Air Act, 1956/1968.
During 1970, 174 complaints were received of smoke or grit
emissions and the necessary observations were made and remedial
action taken.
Twenty-four notices of proposals to instal a furnace, to which
Section 3 (1) of the Act applied, were received and the installations
were inspected and recorded.
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