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The incidence of wasps was lower 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.
Seventy-three complaints of nuisance or damage by feral pigeons
were received. Pigeon traps were placed on suitable sites, giving
effect to a reduction in the number of birds and 107 pigeons and 93
eggs were destroyed. Night visits were made to four railway bridges
to take birds which were roosting, and one treatment with narcotic
bait was carried out on local authority property, with the cooperation
of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
During the year 12 complaints were received of the presence of
foxes, which were causing some alarm among nearby householders.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food having withdrawn
their extermination services, the Council authorised the Public Health
Inspectors to supervise this work. I made arrangements for the actual
digging out and destruction of these foxes to be carried out by a
specialist contractor, and during the year it was necessary to employ
his services on two occasions and three foxes were destroyed. There
is no doubt that this service is appreciated by householders.
Pet Animals Act, 1951.
Fifteen licences to keep Pet Shops were issued during 1971.
Sixty-seven visits were made to these premises to ensure compliance
with the conditions attached to these licences.
The Riding Establishments Acts, 1964-1970.
The Riding Establishments 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.
There are three Riding Establishments within the Borough for
which three provisional licences of three months' duration and three
full licences for one year were issued during the year 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).
Diseases of Animals Act, 1950.
No outbreaks of disease occurred within the Borough during
1971.
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