London’s best-known animal shelter launches a campaign today to prevent hundreds of pet owners from being forced to give up their dogs for adoption on moving into council housing.
Landlords banning pets causes 10 per cent of Battersea Cats & Dogs Home admissions — the second most common reason owners have to be separated from their pets.
Although no-animal policies are common in the private sector rental market, Battersea research revealed a fifth of councils and 64 per cent of the capital’s largest housing associations ban owning dogs in flats with no direct garden or street access.
Having a pet is not considered an exceptional circumstance under which social housing tenants can ask councils for an alternative property.
The charity argues dogs can live safely in flats as long as they enjoy regular exercise, and is now petitioning councils and housing associations to review their pet policies. It is also offering to deliver training courses for both housing providers and tenants.
In one case highlighted by Battersea, Laura, 51, who has asked us to use an alias because she fears criticism for giving up her dog, had to move into a housing association flat in Dartford after she fell ill. However, she was unable to negotiate with the landlord to keep Roxy, her 11-year-old terrier. “It was horrible,” Laura said. “I’d had Roxy since she was a puppy and it broke my heart to give her up. She was my everything, but I didn’t have any choice.”
Bubbles Neal, 61, her mother Joyce, 88, and their Shih Tzu Maizie, 11, were fortunate because Wandsworth council, which provides their home, allows dogs in high-rise flats.
Ms Neal, a full-time carer for her mother, who has dementia, said: “Maizie means the world to me and I adore her. She gets on so well with my mum and will sit with her and make her smile. Having Maizie has made things so much better for both of us.”
Claire Horton, Battersea chief executive, said: “The current postcode lottery facing tenants in social housing is unfair and we want to see more consistent, pet-friendly policies across London’s councils and housing associations.
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“The health, social and community benefits of owning a pet are well proven, yet last year we saw hundreds of dogs and cats come through Battersea’s gates because distraught owners couldn’t find pet friendly accommodation.
“We’re hoping this campaign will make a real difference and we can work with councils and housing associations across London to introduce more pet-friendly policies, so more people can enjoy the benefits of dog ownership.”
