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Pets in rentals campaigners meet housing minister
A report found that just seven per cent of landlords advertise their properties as pet-friendly.
"The door to the DLUHC is open, and we’re talking - that’s definite progress" - Jen Berezai.

Plans to make renting with pets ‘easier and fairer for all’ moved a step closer in December, as campaigners met with housing minister Eddie Hughes to discuss changes to the Tenant Fees Act.

The meeting held at the Department for Levelling Up Housing & Communities (DLUHC) was attended by MP Andrew Rosindell and Jen Berezai, co-founder of AdvoCATSeastmids.

Campaigners wish to have Parliament amend the Tenant Fees Act 2019 to enable landlords to either stipulate pet damage insurance is provided, or charge a separate capped pet deposit to avoid the devastating impact of “no pets” clauses. 

Mr Hughes was presented with findings of the recent Heads for Tails report and campaign, which found that just seven per cent of landlords advertise their properties as pet-friendly, and that many tenants have to surrender their pets because their landlord won't accept them. 

He was also presented with contributions from several animal welfare charities and organisations, including Battersea, Cats Protection, NOAH, NRLA and the Property Redress Scheme. 
 
Jen Berezai said the overall scale of the problem appeared to resonate with Mr Hughes, who pledged to look further into the issues. 

“It’s baby steps, but being invited to attend a meeting in person with Minister Eddie Hughes was an excellent opportunity to lay out our case. The door to the DLUHC is open, and we’re talking - that’s definite progress.” 

Andrew Rosindell added: “[The meeting] was a positive step in the campaign to make it easier to bring pets into rented accommodation. As the Minister showed in the constructive way in which the meeting progressed, the Government is taking this matter seriously and is genuinely listening to proposals to remedy the situation.”

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.