|
|
2012/05: Should tenants have the right to keep pets on rental properties in Australia?
Introduction to the media issue
Video clip at right:On December 7, 2011, Voiceless Australia posted this brief video interview with Clover Moore MP, Lord Mayor of Sydney, speaking about animal welfare issues in Australia. If you cannot see this clip, it will be because video is blocked by your network. To view the clip, access from home or from a public library, or from another network which allows viewing of video clips.
What they said...
Pet ownership provides companionship, gives immense pleasure and reduces stress levels...'
The Australian Companion Animal Council
'Badly behaved pets can cause tremendous damage to your property and garden; especially if pets are younger or left unsupervised'
Sydney Real Estate Agents, G.K. Hursts
The issue at a glance
On April 4, 2012, independent MP, Ms Clover Moore, unsuccessfully attempted to have established in the New South Wales Parliament a select committee to inquire into companion animal welfare with the view to improving these animals' wellbeing. Among the areas Ms Moore wants investigated are 'the number and cause of companion animals arriving in NSW shelters and pounds each year and their outcome, such as whether they get re-homed, re-united or euthanized'. She also wants to have investigated 'the impact of pet bans in accommodation including apartments, strata, retirement villages, and rental properties'. Ms Moore also attempted in 2011 to have a similar committee established, again without success.
Ms Moore's efforts represent part of a more general move being made by a number of veterinarians and others, including the group Lawyers for Companion Animals, to have laws changed in all Australian states to provide greater protection for Australian domestic animals.