Pets during viewings

amy104

I have rabbits which are authorised by the LA and in our tenancy agreement. Obviously they are enclosed but I am worried that anyone visiting for viewings may think 'oh cute bunny' and stick their fingers into the enclosure. Would I be liable if the bunny got scared and someone was bitten? Would it be a good idea to request that the LA advise all visiters to refrain from touching them or is that OTT?

Sambucus_Nigra

Why not fix up a simple sign 'these rabbits bite' to your cage for the duration.

amy104

Ok thanks.

theartfullodger

Ah, bunnies!!

Some consider that you don't need (in Engerland..) Landlord or agent's permission to keep bunnies or chickens - see the

“Allotments Act 1950”

Section 12

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]12 Abolition of contractual restrictions on keeping hens and rabbits[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif](1) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in any lease or tenancy or in any covenant, contract or undertaking relating to the use to be made of any land, it shall be lawful for the occupier of any land to keep, otherwise than by way of trade or business, hens or rabbits in any place on the land and to erect or place and maintain such buildings or structures on the land as reasonably necessary for that purpose:[/FONT]

- in this context "land" is considered to cover any property rented, either house or flat..

Not aware of any court cases testing this mind - anyone else>>>???

amy104

Thank you, as i said the LA know about the bunnies, they were agreed upfront.

I'm just worried about any visiters attempting to touch them and getting bitten. Whilst all my bunnies are super friendly I cannot gaurentee how they will react to strangers.

madhouseof4

I also keep bunnies and would not be impressed if someone tried to stroke them without asking first. If they did and got bitten, I would hope they would learn their lesson (both of mine are friendly, but the girl doesn't like being touched on her nose - they are both rescues and you just never know how they might react to someone they don't know). I think a simple sign stating that the rabbit might bite, or please do not touch the rabbits would be a good idea.

jjlandlord

amy104 wrote: »

I'm just worried about any visiters attempting to touch them and getting bitten.

In my opinion, anyone sticking his finger into the cage of an animal should only blame himself if bitten.

In this day of over caution and spurious lawsuits you could still place a "WARNING: Ferocious rabbit" sign on their cage just to be covered

Owain_Moneysaver

amy104 wrote: »

I have rabbits which are authorised by the LA and in our tenancy agreement. Obviously they are enclosed but I am worried that anyone visiting for viewings may think 'oh cute bunny' and stick their fingers into the enclosure. Would I be liable if the bunny got scared and someone was bitten? Would it be a good idea to request that the LA advise all visiters to refrain from touching them or is that OTT?

Yes, and in writing. You don't want your rabbits to catch anything nasty.

FireWyrm

I hate rabbits except when they are surrounded by roast potatoes....otherwise, they give me the heeby jeebies.