Tenants of Clutha District Council housing units may be allowed pets for companionship, but not all councillors are thrilled about the idea.
The council this week moved a recommendation that tenancy agreements can be amended to include pets at the discretion of council staff.
But West Otago councillors Peter McPherson and Jeff McKenzie, who earlier voted against the idea at committee level, again both expressed concerns about the potential for trouble when the matter came before the full council.
"I'm not happy about it. I think it's a recipe for disaster," Cr McPherson said.
Cr McKenzie said the council might let "any animal, even a kunekune pig" through the doors.
But district assets manager Jules Witt said it was up to council staff what animals, if any, were allowed into the units.
The council recommended tenancy agreements be changed to allow small pets, if approved. Tenants wanting a pet first need to write to the council.
Pet rules
The Clutha District Council will only allow pets in its housing units at the discretion of council staff.
This privilege would be terminated if:
• An animal is deemed to become a nuisance to neighbours
• The animal is found to be damaging or soiling units (any damage caused by a pet will be repaired by the council at the tenant's cost)
• The dog is not on a lead or under owner control at all times within the council complex
• The dog fouls in a public area and it is not cleaned up by the owner as soon as practicable
• Current registration is not maintained for dogs at all times
