Can Government eliminate blanket bans on pets?
A policy to stop blanket bans on renters having pets must be implemented without delay, a Cork senator has said.
The issue is something animal charities have come across with some pets being surrendered because landlords won’t allow pets in their properties. To tackle the issue, Dogs Trust launched a petition in July to urge the Government to change the law and stop allowing blanket bans on pets in tenancy agreements.
Speaking on Tuesday, Labour Senator Laura Harmon said she “welcomes the news” that the upcoming housing plan will eliminate blanket bans on pets in tenancy agreements. She also said this policy must be implemented without delay to support families and protect animals.
Senator Harmon again called for protections for renters who wish to have pets in their rental accommodation. “Pets are a part of the family; it is deeply saddening to think people in Ireland are having to give up their pets in order to access housing. In the last year alone, we have seen a 112% increase in callouts to Dog’s Trust as a result of bans in rental properties.”
The issue of lack of access to pet-friendly accommodation is growing, she said, adding that 7% of rental properties advertised on Daft.ie this year allowed pets.
“This figure is a strong indication of how widespread this issue is becoming, families all across are Ireland are being left in impossible situations. With the housing situation in a state of complete crisis in Ireland, the last thing people need is to be faced with this added level of uncertainty. More than 16,000 people are homeless in this country there is no excuse for adding more people and pets to this figure,” she said.
She added: “I myself live in rental accommodation, part of 11% of Oireachtas members who do, and have had to find an alternative home for my two cats. This shouldn’t have to be the case. We must put an end to the practise of banning pets from accommodation. I am calling on Government to urgently introduce legislation to address this issue. The situations that arising are resulting putting helpless pets in suboptimal situations for animals and placing huge strain on their owners.
“Labour’s Renters’ Rights Bill seeks to outlaw the prohibition of pets in accommodation. This is an important step in terms of animal welfare and for renters’ rights. We must put an end to the practise of banning pets from accommodation.”