Renters' Rights Act: Law could ease pressure on animal shelters

Animal shelters say a new law giving tenants in England the right to request a pet - that landlords cannot unreasonably refuse - could mean fewer animals need to be put up for adoption. The measure is part of the Renters' Rights Act that also bans no‑fault evictions, and comes into force on 1 May. Pets can no longer be refused from properties without good reason, tenants can challenge a refusal and landlords cannot legally enforce a no-pets ban in their tenancy agreements. Alison Richards, Cats Protection Chief Veterinary Officer, from Bridport in Dorset said: "We estimate around three cats per day at our sites across the UK are coming into care because of housing issues." Animal charity Blue Cross said the number of dogs coming to its centres has increased by 120%, and the number of cats by 80%, in the past four years. It add that a lot of these are also due to housing changes or landlords not allowing pets in the home. The change in the law is welcomed by the charity, that has been campaigning for years. Kirsty Smith, Admissions Coordinator at Blue Cross in Southampton in Hampshire said: "It's so important. If they actually have the security of being able to keep their pets with