Australian veterinarian Dr Chris Brown is calling on other states to follow Victoria’s lead and make it easier for renters to have pets.
The Bondi Vet host backed the rental property changes proposed by the Andrews Government, which will give every tenant the right to own a pet — with landlords only able to refuse in specific circumstances.
“Australia is a nation of animal lovers, but our pets deserve a place in our homes as well as our hearts,” Brown told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday, Herald Sun reported.
Dr Brown added: “If you are a responsible pet owner and you do the right thing and want to incorporate a pet into your life this policy does that.”
The move will not only make Victoria a better place for pets to live, but also give more people the ability to have their own lives enriched by owning a pet.
“No one should have to choose between the pet they love and a place to live – our reforms will end this discrimination,” Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford said.
“Victoria is a great state for people to live – we want it to be a great state for pets too.”
Pulford also launched the Better For Pets Campaign, which will include awareness programs, fact sheets and online advertisements on how to better care for our animals.
“About two thirds of Victorian households have pets. This campaign will help all of those families provide a better life for their furry or feathered friend,” she added.
Not everyone has the luxury of taking their time to find the perfect rental property — circumstances differ and sometimes the only option is to move into the next available place in your price range.
It’s a sad state of affairs, but one renters have come to terms with, with many opting for smaller animals such as guinea pigs, and many having to forego pet ownership altogether until they can scrape together enough money for a pet-friendly home.
The RSPCA said over the past two years, 15 per cent of the dogs and cats surrendered to the organisation were because the owners were moving and could not take their pets.