Law change could mean fewer pets in care - charity

An animal shelter has said a law change which gives tenants the right to request pets could mean fewer animals ending up in care.

The measure is part of the Renters' Rights Act that also banned no‑fault evictions, and came into force on 1 May.

Pets can no longer be refused from properties without good reason, tenants can challenge a refusal, and landlords cannot legally enforce a no-pets ban in their tenancy agreements.

Woodside Animal Welfare Sanctuary, Plymouth, said housing issues had been one of the main reasons animals ended up at the shelter. Senior manager Helen Lecointe said she hoped the legislation would mean more pets would stay in the "homes they know with the people they love".

Landlords will still be able to refuse a request in certain circumstances, such as if another tenant has an allergy or the property is too small for a large pet or several pets.

Lecointe said: "We hope the changes will reduce the number of animals coming into our care because of housing issues.

"It is heartbreaking when someone has to give up their much-loved pet because they aren't allowed in their accommodation, and they face the impossible choice of losing their home or giving up their pet."

The shelter said it had "dozens" of dogs and cats at the sanctuary after being parted from their families by housing issues, with more than 30 more on the waiting list.

The charity said it still had concerns about the impact on people and their pets if landlords decided to sell their properties.

Lecointe said: "We are concerned that, because of the changes, more landlords might sell up and there will be fewer properties and homes available for people to rent, and the impact this could potentially have on the housing crisis.

"These situations are often upsetting for the dogs and cats and also for the owners, who can be left heartbroken."

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