Animal rescue centre welcomes renters law change
The Renters' Rights Act outlaws blanket bans on pet ownership for tenants
A charity rehoming cats and dogs in Wiltshire says it's hopeful the new laws brought in by the Renters Rights Act will mean fewer pets are given up from people in rented homes.
The new law, which came into force on 1st May, abolishes no-fault evictions (Section 21 notices), bans bidding wars and outlaws blanket bans on pet ownership in rental properties.
Rachel Jones, CEO at Bath Cats and Dogs Home (BCDH), welcomed the new laws as "good news", saying it is "a sad situation where people moving home have to give up their much-loved pets".
Having to give up a pet can have a negative impact on peoples mental health, but Rachel said it's also difficult for the animals.
She said: "If a cat or dog, you know, has been in a stable, loving home, for them to move then into a kennel or cattery environment can be quite an upsetting transition for them.
"Obviously, we give them all the love and care that we can and try and make it as easy a process for them as possible.
"But you can imagine what it's like if you're with your, you know, your dog all the time, 24/7, and then suddenly they are separated from you in a brand new environment with new people caring for them. It can be unsettling."
It's hoped that the law change will ease the pressure on rescue centre waiting lists for pets to be handed over.
BCDH has capacity for 80 cats and 65 dogs on site, with cats generally rehomed quicker, because many dogs, some of whom are strays, have complex needs that need addressing before they can be rehomed.
A wider pool of potential owners
Alongside the hope that more pets can remain with their owners, the charity believes the new laws can expand the number of people able to rehome a cat or dog.
It's estimated that around 4.7 million people in England live in rented accommodation and the law change preventing blanket bans and unreasonable refusal of pet ownership could see more people coming to rescue centres to rehome a pet.
Rachel said there are many dogs and cats desperately waiting for their forever homes.
"We've got close to 50 dogs and cats currently on our website looking for a new home and around the same number, you know, behind the scenes that we're caring for and rehabilitating until we can get them ready for that new home.
"Fingers crossed with this new legislation, more people will be able to come forward now and adopt from us, which would be absolutely wonderful."
She stressed that tenants must get permission from landlords to own a pet before approaching a rehoming centre, so the home can be stable and loving.
The charity will ask many questions before beginning the process of finding a suitable dog for a potential owner.
Anyone wanting to rehome a cat or dog can do so via the BCDH website.