Neighbour keeping livestock

[RattyRatRat]

Not sure if this is better in legal or property…

My neighbour is keeping livestock (goats, pigs, chickens), since the introduction of the livestock we have become infested with rats. I believe the rats are being attracted to the area due to these animals. We are currently working with a pest control company to try and stop the rats getting into my house. It’s been a stressful few weeks with rats literally running through the house and it stinks

My question is are you allowed to keep livestock like this? And who would I report it to? I can’t find a relevant section on the local council website. The neighbouring property is a commercial business if that makes a difference.

Think best to speak to environmental health people. Not sure about goats and pigs but chickens now have to be registered due to avian flu.

I know my last house had something in the deeds which forbade the keeping of pigs.

They need rural payments agency permission first, it's all on the gov.uk site under keeping livestock in the UK.

If they are keeping goats or pigs they must have registered with DEFRA for a CPH number. So checking with DEFRA would be your first step.

Edited to add that the RPA is part of DEFRA.

Is this a small holding next door? Pigs are a bit big and destructive for your average garden, or are they miniature house pigs?

Yes, next door. The back of their property is large and extends right across the back and side of our property. These are large pigs though - not miniature! I think the area they are being kept in is actually too small for them

So is contacting DEFRA my best option?

I’ve also just read it’s illegal to feed pigs food scraps from commercial (or domestic) kitchens, which is exactly what they do!

Pigs and goats are cloven-hoofed animals and there are umpteen regulations re keeping them, partly due to foot & mouth disease.

Highly illegal to feed anything that has entered a kitchen for human consumption. So even if it was stored in the fridge in the kitchen, it's illegal to feed it to the pigs.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/keeping-a-pet-pig-or-micropig

Get on to The Council & DEFRA on Monday

From a Local Authority

https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/environment/nuisance-complaints/rats-and-other-pests-on-private-property#:~:text=Skip%20to%20contents%20of%20guide,complaint%2C%20your%20email%20must%20include:

I might add have you got legal expenses cover with your insurance, if so ask about what can be done on your behalf to recover the costs and damage caused by the rats

I can’t see a page where you can report issues like that on my local council page, just how you can book pest control for your own property. I’ll have a look at my home insurance - we’ve already spent around £500 and still not rid!

Your Local Authority should have a general contact number, ring them and they should put you through.

Also get on to DEFRA - number on the bottom of the link

What is your Council, I can probably find the relevant number for you

I had pigs and needed to get a licence from the council it was a very straightforward form though. I have no neighbours to offend. I didn’t find they attracted rats, chickens definitely do. Really need to be feeding/ watching/ sweeping and storing excess in a sealed bin.

I had pigs and needed to get a licence from the council it was a very straightforward form though. I have no neighbours to offend. I didn’t find they attracted rats, chickens definitely do. Really need to be feeding/ watching/ sweeping and storing excess in a sealed bin.

Durham County Council

I actually love pigs, one of my favourite animals but I don’t think this is the right environment for them!

I suggest

1. Email EVERYONE on the list today - ideally with photo's and
2. Follow it up with a phone call tomorrow morning

You need EVERYONE on the case at once

ALSO get on to your insurers about your legal cover

https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/2699/Contact-Animal-health

NameContact Animal health
Email[email protected]
Address
Community Protection
Durham County Council
PO Box 617
Durham
County Durham
DH1 9HZ
United Kingdom
Telephone03000 261 016

They will deal with the issues around the animals

As far as the rats go

Contact Customer Services
Email[email protected]
Telephone03000 26 0000

They should put you in touch with Environmental Health to deal with the cause ie there is an infestation next door and it needs sorting

ALSO ring DEFRA about the fact that they are probably keeping animals without a licence and feeding kitchen waste

Animal and Plant Health Agency
Email: [email protected]
Telephone (Defra rural services helpline): 03000 200 301
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm
Find out about call charges

Unfortunately it's the chickens that will be attracting rats - I used to keep chickens and had the same problem. Chickens tend to chuck their food around when they eat, so it basically creates a running buffet for rodents.

Keeping chickens in your garden is allowed in most circumstances so sadly I think you'll find that even if the goats and pigs go, the rat problem will continue.

Well, heres hoping for a solution

Durham can take action over rats though AND you do need to register chickens now

What an absolute nightmare OP! Try to get as much video evidence as you can to back up your complaint

If after taking @JohnofWessex’s excellent advice, you do not get a reply or you get a half-arsed one that brushes you off, take copies of your letters and evidence and make an appointment at your MPs next advice surgery. It doesn’t matter whether you share their political affiliations or not, it’s what they’re for and they should be able to get you a thorough response.

This is also a good idea - our MP is very good and holds regular surgeries

Thank you @JohnofWessex