Sir James Duddridge KCMG, Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East, has lent his support to new pet-friendly rental laws at a parliamentary event hosted by the United Kingdom’s leading cat and dog charities.
After years of campaigning, Cats Protection and Dogs Trust have both welcomed the proposed Renters’ (Reform) Bill. According to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, renters will be given the legal right to request a pet in their home, which the landlord must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse. Landlords will also be able to require pet insurance to cover any damage to their property.
At an event at the House of Commons on 7 June, the two charities outlined the importance of modernising the private rented sector when it comes to allowing pet ownership.
The event comes after Dogs Trust reported a record number of enquiries from people being forced to rehome their dogs as they struggle to meet their needs as the cost of living continues to rise. Around one in ten of those owners calling Dogs Trust charity cite issues with housing as the reason for needing to rehome their dog.
Meanwhile, Cats Protection says that last year it took in around 1,300 cats – the equivalent of at least three cats each day – due to landlords not allowing them in their properties, making it the eighth most-cited reason as to why cats are given up to the charity.
Following the event Sir James said:
“I was pleased to join Cats Protection and Dogs Trust to support the new Bill. I know from personal experience the hugely positive impact pets have in the lives of their owners. It is only right that everyone should be able to benefit from the companionship they bring, no matter if they own or rent their home."
