August is a big month for pets, with International Cat Day on the 8th and International Dog Day on the 26th. We are a nation of animal lovers and our sales team often gets asked by buyers what the Peabody pet policy is, so we have revisited an article originally posted in 2020 when we updated our pet policy. The policy was updated as we want as many of our buyers as possible to experience the joy that being a pet owner can bring. However, we also want to ensure that they, their neighbours, and their pets, are safe, happy and healthy. 

Peabody changed its pet policy several years ago as we want people living in a Peabody home to experience the benefits of pet ownership.

There is some very strong evidence of the benefits of pet ownership:

• It is estimated to save the NHS up to £2.45bn annually as pet owners make 15% fewer visits to their GP.
• Pet owners are reportedly 60% more likely than non-pet owners to get to know people in their neighbourhoods they had not known before.
• Pet owners develop stronger community ties than non-pet owners, and are more willing to support and help others locally.

Cats are welcome at Peabody New Homes.

Peabody Pet policy

As a result, we have changed our pets policy. From now on, households will be able to keep a maximum of two dogs and will be able to do so regardless of whether they live in a flat or have access to a private garden.

We receive relatively few complaints about pets, although there are undoubtedly risks regarding nuisance, animal welfare and community safety. So if a dog is out of control or the owner is acting irresponsibly, we’ll continue to take swift action. We’ll ensure offences are reported quickly, and work with animal charities to protect the welfare of mistreated animals.

Households have our permission to keep the following pets:

• Two dogs
• Two cats
• A reasonable number of small mammals and/or caged animals

Households must seek our permission to keep any additional pets above those permitted. We will make a decision about such requests on a case-by-case basis according to the circumstances of the household and nature of the property.

Assistance dogs, including guide dogs, are permitted in all circumstances. The owner of the assistance dog is responsible for ensuring that their dog is properly trained.

Please note, this policy only applies where Peabody are the freeholder. Where the freehold of the property is not Peabody, leaseholders must seek permission from the developer who owns the freehold.

Which animals are prohibited under Peabody's Pet Policy? 

Under no circumstances are households permitted to keep the following as pets:

• Animals listed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (including large mammals, carnivores, larger or venomous reptiles, dangerous spiders and scorpions)
• Any endangered species
• Any hybrid between a domestic and a wild animal
• Bees
• Dogs listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, or Fila Braziliero)
• Guard dogs
• Livestock (including poultry, horses and cattle)

We retain the right to withdraw permission to keep a pet where the pet has caused nuisance or we believe the owner to be showing signs of animal cruelty or neglect.

What are the responsibilities for pet owners under Peabody Policy? 

We expect all pet owners to behave responsibly by upholding the following standards:

• All pets must be kept in proper care, including a proper diet; protection from pain, suffering, injury or disease; the ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns and a suitable environment
• to live with or apart from other animals; and are not left unattended for a significant amount of time.
• All pets must be kept under proper control and not cause a nuisance to other households. This includes dogs being kept on a lead in communal areas, not entering play areas and being under control when Peabody employees or contractors attend a property.
• No fouling in communal areas. Where fouling has occurred, the responsible owners must clean up immediately.
• Owners must actively seek to prevent unpleasant odours being emitted from their property due to their pet(s).
• Animals must not damage any Peabody property, including communal parts of the building and neighbouring properties. Owners may be recharged for any repairs which are needed as a result of such damage.
• All dogs over the age of eight weeks must be microchipped and wear a collar and tag in public.
• Animals must not be kept for the purposes of breeding or sale. Any offspring must not be kept for a period longer than eight weeks following birth.
• Owners must not hoard animals in their property.
• Owners must have suitable arrangements in place for looking after their pet during prolonged periods of absence.
• Cat or dog flaps must not be installed without our prior consent as these can compromise the fire safety of a property.
• Dead pets must be buried or disposed of in a responsible and safe manner.

Households are expected to uphold the same standards for any animals which are visiting their property.

How will pet-related issues be handled under Peabody Pet Policy? 

• We will work with households to address pet-related issues or any circumstances affecting the owner which have led to such issues. This may include referrals to specialist animal welfare organisations for information, advice and guidance.
• Where a pet owner fails to engage with such efforts, or if the level of nuisance, cruelty or neglect is significant, we will take more serious action. This may include making a referral to the local authority and/or police, demanding the rehoming of the animal, or in some cases seeking possession of the property. Where a decision has been made to rehome an animal we will allow this to take place within a reasonable timeframe.
• It is illegal for a pet owner to allow their dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place. This includes any incidents where injury occurs or there is a fear that an injury might occur. We will report all such incidents to the police and this may result in sanctions or criminal prosecution.
• We will report any complaint of animal cruelty to the RSPCA and will report any stray animals to the relevant local authority.
• We will investigate all issues relating to nuisance or anti-social behaviour in line with our Anti-Social Behaviour Policy.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2020 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

 

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