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Vancouver/Victoria – A new Angus Reid poll reveals that where no pets policies are already illegal, landlords and tenants are more likely to support tenants having the right to have pets in their homes.
The poll found residents in provinces like Ontario were most likely to support the right of pet guardians to access housing (43%). Ontario is also where the “Fluffy Law” was passed in the 1990s, which protects responsible pet guardians from discrimination in rental housing. It is clear that where landlords and tenants are work together to enhance pet friendly housing, greater harmony and acceptance of pets is encouraged, keeping families with pets together.
Health advocates have shown that people with pets often have better health outcomes in life, experiencing less anxiety, lower rates of depression and loneliness. Kids raised with pets are also shown to be more positive and responsible in dealing with animals. Pets OK BC asks all policymakers: As the shortage and cost of housing worsens, why would we make it even more difficult for responsible pet guardians to find homes?
Pets OK BC says the Angus Reid poll asked the wrong question. Indeed, nobody enjoys irresponsible pet guardians – or landlords who enforce unfair, blanket no-pet policies.
Jordan Reichert of the group, and who is running for city council in Victoria this year, says that the question is skewed towards property ownership rather than social responsibility.
“More than half of Canadian families have pets. If we see pets as a social responsibility we have as a community to provide housing for, then I think there is tremendous support for pet-friendly housing policy. On the other hand, if we see them as just property, like in the poll, that has to be disposed of if a landlord decides they don’t want them there, that is an issue.”
Pets OK BC states that people cause property damage, noise complaints, and other issues at least as much as pets, but that irresponsible tenants are dealt with on a case by case basis, and that this is the same treatment they are asking for people who are pet guardians.
