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Keeping dogs in high-rise flats is cruel, unsanitary and should be banned in Bristol, says one annoyed resident.

Chris Evans claims the communal areas around the Henbury flats where he lives are regularly covered in dog urine and faeces and says he is concerned about the wellbeing residents and dogs the building.

He is now calling on Bristol City Council to ban people from keeping dogs in tower blocks.

“There are several reasons why I think they should be banned,” Mr Evans said. “For one thing there are some irresponsible owners in the flats who don’t clean up their dog’s mess and that means the communal areas are covered in puddles of urine, which the caretakers are forced to clean up, and a patch of grass outside the building is basically used as a large toilet.

“I am not anti-dog, I happen to like dogs, I just don’t think it is appropriate to keep them in these flats.”

Residents had to apply for permits to keep pets in Brookridge House, Henbury, when Mr Evans moved in 14 years ago.

(Image: Michael Lloyd)

The council has since tightened the rules and has banned new residents from bringing dogs into the building. Existing tenants who already had dogs have been allowed to keep them.

However, Mr Evans claims people are not adhering to the rules and several households who did not arrive with dogs now keep them as pets.

“It is clearly being flouted,” the 75-year-old said.

(Image: Michael Lloyd)

“I have been told people who are coming in to the flats who shouldn’t have dogs do have them, and the rule does not account for dogs which go on to have pups.

“More than anything, I think it is an animal welfare issue - it is not right to keep dogs in such small spaces.”

Aside from the fouling and potential cruelty to the animals, Mr Evans claims the dogs can be noisy and pose a health and safety risk to other residents.

“I have been attacked by out of control dogs and I know other residents are apprehensive when they see large groups of them.

(Image: Michael Lloyd)

“There has been an issue with fleas in the past, with people washing dog blankets in the communal laundry room and I know some of my neighbors get kept awake by dogs barking in the evenings and night.

Mr Evans claims he and other residents have contacted Bristol City Council on a number of occasions, but have had their complaints brushed aside.

He has now called on Bristol North West MP Darren Jones to help him lobby the authority.

A spokesperson for the council said policing the current dog policy is difficult and “relies on other tenants informing them if people replace their dog or get a new one”.

“We are not currently receiving complaints about dog fouling from other residents of this block,” the spokesperson said. “However, we have agreed to do a letter drop to all residents, asking them to be mindful to clear up after their animals if they foul.

(Image: Michael Lloyd)

“Dogs are allowed in other high-rise blocks across the city, but tenants need to make sure their dog is on a lead at all times in communal areas.

“Tenants who have a pet are expected to make sure that it is not causing a nuisance to other people in and around their block. This includes cleaning up after the animal inside and outside the block. The council will take action if we get substantiated complaints about particular pets.”