ANIMALS in Swindon could see a greater degree of protection if a new welfare charter being proposed is approved.

There has been a number of complaints in recent months from residents concerned about the treatment of animals on Swindon Borough Council owned property.

For example, earlier this year, Ebony Eve, of Frobisher Drive, admitted killing her pet Shar Pei on Valentines Day by hitting him with a hammer and then stabbing him multiple times. She remains in a secure unit awaiting sentencing.

The 27-year-old had raised had lived in a council house and while the offence was a clear breech of tenancy rules, officials are keen to see a new charter put in place to reinforce the position on animal welfare.

In a report due to go before the licensing committee, council environmental protection officer Alison Waine says it would offer a greater degree of protection.

“The council could continue to rely on its general statement to cover animal welfare,” she said.

“However, this would not provide the comprehensive coverage of issues that the proposed charter addresses and would leave the council open to complaint and challenge if animal welfare issues emerge.

“Recent concerns regarding the maltreatment of dogs in council owned properties, fly grazing of horses by travellers and live animals being used as prizes at fairs on council-owned land all justify a clearer and more robust approach to control.”

As it stands, the council does have responsibility for animal welfare but this is covered by a very broad statement.

In 2006, plans were drawn up to introduce a new charter but this did not materialise into anything formal.

The charter will formally put in writing that animals have the freedom from hunger or thirst, discomfort, pain, fear and should be free to express normal behaviour.

Alison said: “The charter has been drafted with the benefit of local experience, and seeks to address the issues that the Animal Welfare Team regularly deal with.

“It provides a framework that the council will adhere to when dealing with animal welfare concerns on its own land.

“The charter is helpful in establishing expectations on those using or renting land us, and when dealing with its regulatory functions where animal welfare is a consideration, and may be used to support legal action against perpetrators of animal cruelty.”

The report will go before the committee on Monday and, if approved, the charter will be put out for an eight-week consultation.