Allotments in Hartlepool face animal clampdown

Allotment holders on Teesside are being warned they face eviction if they fail to register animals they keep on site.

Hartlepool Council has introduced a compulsory scheme which requires every allotment holder to provide details of any kept animals.

The authority said the move would improve animal welfare and ensure they were kept in "appropriate conditions."

Written permission must now be sought for animals including chickens, other egg-laying birds, bees and rabbits.

Regular inspections

Helen Beaman, Hartlepool Council's environment co-ordinator, said: "We are working in partnership with animal welfare organisations such as the RSPCA to ensure that all animals living on allotments are being kept in conditions that promote their well-being.

"We intend to carry out regular inspections to check that all animals are being kept in suitable conditions."

No dogs, other than those registered before April 2010, can now be kept overnight on allotments.

Several species of hoofed animals, including horses, goats, pigs and sheep, are banned from allotments due to their links with animal diseases such as foot and mouth.