Tenant ordered not to keep dangerous dogs

Published by Kate Hughes for Wolverhampton Homes in Housing and also in Environment

A tenant of Wolverhampton Homes has been ordered not to keep two dangerous dogs at her home.

Penelope Watton, of Wheatley Street, Parkfields, agreed to sign an undertaking at Wolverhampton County Court on Wednesday 31 March not to keep the two dogs at her home which had caused a nightmare for residents in the area.

The dogs had killed a neighbour’s chickens in December 2008 and a cat in October 2009, as well as frightening passers-by and staff from Wolverhampton Homes.

Wolverhampton Homes originally sought an injunction banning Miss Watton from keeping dogs at her home but before it came to court, she rehoused the dogs.

One dog remains at the home but following consultation with neighbours, it is not a cause for concern.

Miss Watton has now signed an undertaking until 31 March 2011, which states she will provide fencing to stop the dog getting out, keep the dog on a lead when outside the home and garden and clear all dog mess up.

She also agreed that she will not keep any other dogs at her home (except for the one permitted by court), allow any other dogs to visit, allow the dog outside of the home and garden unsupervised and allow any animal to cause nuisance, harassment, alarm and distress, or annoy or frighten neighbours or anyone working in home.

Erica Spelman, Antisocial Behaviour Co-ordinator at Wolverhampton Homes, said: “Between the time we issued proceedings at court for the injunction and yesterday's hearing, Miss Watton re-housed the two dogs that were a problem.

“One dog remains at the home, however we do not have any concerns about it and neighbours have said they have not had a problem with the remaining dog.

“Dogs can be wonderful companions but tenants must make sure their pets are not a danger to other animals or people. Any tenants who do not keep their pets under control will be dealt with using the full force of the law.”