The Responsible Pet Owner

With the onset of the Renters Rights Bill becoming law at some point this year, one of the prominent areas relates to Pets, reported by the press as a total ban on landlords being able to refuse a tenant with pets. In fact, the Bill places a great deal of ‘responsibility’ on the pet owner.
I am the proud owner of two kittens Zeus Maximus and Apollo Aurelius. Taking on these little ones demonstrates exactly what a ‘responsible pet’ owner needs to deal with.
A Pet Profile provides an overview of the type of pet that will be living at the property and will give the landlord an idea of whether or not consent will be granted.
1. Has the pet owner registered with a vet?
2. Does the pet owner have insurance cover for any unforeseen medical circumstances?
3. Have the pets in question - generally cats and dogs, kittens and pups been
Micro-chipped?
4. Has the pet had relevant injections / vaccines?
6. Does the pet require a special licence?
7. Has it been neutered (where relevant)?
8. Has the pet had flea and worming treatments (where relevant)?
9. Are follow up appointments in place?

Then, there’s the ‘domestic’ side of things to consider.

1. Has the pet been house trained?
2. Does the pet require care during the day?

3. Will the pet be happy ‘home alone’?
4. Has the pet been properly trained or does it cause havoc?
5. Does the pet require outside space?

Finally, what about relevant legislation that may impact pet ownership?

Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act puts the Duty of care on owners to meet the welfare needs of their animals.

What does this mean for those responsible for animals? The need :-

for a suitable environment
for a suitable diet
to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
to be housed with, or apart, from other animals
to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
Breeding of Dogs Act 1991
Under the Act, a warrant can be issued by a court to gain entry to a place where it is suspected an offence is being committed.
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991(2023)
It is an offence for any dog specific rules are laid down for fighting dogs.
It is illegal to breed, sell, exchange, advertise or make a gift of such a dog. These dogs cannot be abandoned or allowed to stray, they must be insured and neutered. Any dog found not to comply with the law will be euthanased.
In 2023, the government added XL bullies to the dog breed types banned in England & Wales, and owners must comply with a number of restrictions.
Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999
This Act amends the 1991 Breeding of Dogs Act.
The Act requires all those breeding and selling dogs to obtain a licence from their local authority.

Animal Welfare Act 2006
The Act consolidated and updated a number of aspects of animal welfare law, for example in relation to cruelty and fighting offences.

The onus on the tenants under the Renters’ Rights Bill is to provide the landlord with sufficient information to allow the landlord to make an informed decision, and also present the landlord with the necessary insurance to cover any damage caused by the pet.

The Renters Rights Bill is currently at the Report Stage which will be followed immediately by the 3rd Reading.