Woking Borough Council is set to become the first Council to mandate new rules for pet ownership in social housing. These amendments are intended to address the ongoing issue of noise nuisances from barking dogs. The proposed regulations are nine pages long and involve residents getting permission before they can purchase a dog. This amendment will provide more enforcement powers to the council to deal with noise nuisances caused by pets.
The effort comes as a result of growing complaints of noise nuisances, especially concerning dogs barking outside at night. Local enforcement authorities say that most of the unnecessary complaints come from this misunderstanding. In answer, the council has been working on several actions to encourage responsible pet ownership and protect the quality of life in Surrey’s neighborhoods.
Cllr Tom Bonsundy-O’Bryan, chair of Woking Borough Council’s communities and housing scrutiny committee, said that these new rules were needed. He stated that the council aims to balance pet ownership with the rights of other residents who may be affected by noise.
“Dogs will need to be kept on a lead in all communal areas and must not defecate on balconies or any shared spaces,” – Woking Borough Council spokesperson.
Under the proposed rules, residents will be required to adhere to specific guidelines concerning their pets’ behavior in communal areas. The rules state that dogs must be on a leash, no exceptions. They prevent dogs from pooping in common areas, assisting the council with creating a more peaceful community for all their residents.
The council hopes to roll out these rules in the coming months to all social housing tenants, reminding them about the importance of responsible pet ownership. By implementing these measures, Woking Borough Council aims not only to mitigate noise nuisance but to foster a sense of community where all residents can coexist comfortably.
