City of London's Pets Policy

[Laurence Jones]

Following consultation and feedback from residents, changes have been made to the City of London’s Pets Policy.

 

The revised Pets Policy has now been approved by the Housing and Almshouses Management sub-committee.

 

A copy of this policy is attached.

This policy is also available from the estate office.

Regards

Laurence

[Alan Line]

Laurence - but will this policy be applied? We have a couple of residents who parade their dogs around Golden Lane, and have done so for a number of years, claiming that they have some "special arrangement" etc.

[Maria Elizabeth Prior]

Alan, I have had a total of 3 dogs for about 20 years now.  I have mine for psychological medical reasons.  The COL took me to court 20 years ago, for 'breach of tenancy', over this, but I won a court judgement, and was allowed by that court to continue to have my dog.  Any 'special arrangements' would not be because of the COL, but what a court considered fair and reasonable.  

I understand the current new approved policy only permits dogs for those who are physically disabled, and not psychologically disabled, yet under the Equality Act, all disabilities must be treated equally.  Therefore, I am of the opinion that the COL has broken the Equality Law by their stance.  I can assure you I do not 'parade' my dog.  She lives here, with me and my partner, and is well loved by many people.  

[Alan Line]

Hi Maria, you might be right about the City's policy but if you follow relevant case law from the Equality Act and the DDA you'll find that to be covered in this situation a Senior Clinical Psychiatrist would need to determine that you have a mental illness that leaves you unable to function normally on a day-to-day basis (care for yourself, communicate with others or leave home) and THEN determine that having a dog would be a reasonable adjustment that somehow allows you to limit these disabilities - that's before a Court would even look at your case?
Mental illness is, unfortunately, the Cinderella of our health services.

[Maria Elizabeth Prior]

Yes, I know Alan. I fully understand how it works. That's what happened with me.  I had my GP, psychologist, and several psychiatrists, during my lengthy spell in hospital, followed by the same team out of hospital, including a couple of Senior Psychologists, who diagnosed my illness.  The COL ignored all their advice, and it was only a judge that listened to the medical evidence and ruled in my favour.  

That was 20 years ago, and since then rights of people with disabilities has improved.  The Equality Act clearly states that all disabilities, be they physical or psychological, must be treated equally, when any 'service' is provided.  This is also where the term 'reasonable adjustments' comes into it.  The Equality Commission are clear in that.  That's why I know this policy is unfair.