Animal welfare charity Battersea is urging the public to email their local MPs in support of the Renters' Rights Bill, ahead of its second reading in Parliament on 9 October. 

The Renters' Rights Bill, which includes provisions to protect pet owners, represents a significant step forward in the rental sector. Battersea’s Pet Friendly Properties campaign has long advocated for landlords to consider pet requests reasonably, ensuring more tenants are able to keep their animals in rented accommodation. With an increasing number of households renting across the UK, it is crucial that the Bill is passed to prevent further cases of pet surrender. 

Ben Parker, Public Affairs Manager at Battersea, said: "At Battersea, we are committed to ensuring that pets remain with the families who love them. The measures in the Renters' Rights Bill offers an opportunity for long-lasting change that will benefit thousands of pets and their owners. We will continue to work with the Government and other stakeholders to secure a future where no one is forced to surrender their pet because of where they live." 

Battersea has seen first-hand the devastating impact of restrictive rental rules, with countless pet owners being forced to give up their beloved pets due to the lack of suitable accommodation and housing issues being one of the most common causes dogs and cats are brought to the charity’s three centres. A recent case from Battersea highlights just how urgent the need for reform is. 

Daisy, a three-year-old heavily pregnant Labrador, was brought to Battersea when her previous owners were forced to move and unable to find any rented accommodation that allowed pets. They tried everything to keep their much-loved Daisy, but ultimately had no choice but to place her in Battersea’s care. Shortly after arriving at Battersea’s Old Windsor centre, she gave birth to a healthy litter of eight puppies. 

After five months of expert care at Battersea, during which time her puppies were weaned and rehomed, Daisy went to a new home of her own where she will hopefully be able to remain for the rest of her life. 

Daisy’s story serves as a powerful reminder of why rental reform is so necessary. With better legislation, her previous owners, like so many others, would never be faced with the heart-breaking decision to be parted from their pet because of housing restrictions. 

Ben Parker, Public Affairs Manager at Battersea, said: "The Renters' Rights Bill has the power to stop situations like Daisy’s from happening in the future. Pet owners shouldn’t be forced to choose between a home and their pet, and we’re urging the public to email their MPs and show support for this legislation. Pets are part of the family, and the changes in this Bill offers hope to thousands of tenants across the UK." 

To show your support, please email your MP today and urge them to support the Renters’ Rights Bill. For more information and to take action, visit here.