Council Considers Allowing Housing Tenants To Keep Their Dogs

Tenants of Invercargill City Council housing may soon be able to keep their dogs, after councillors agreed to relook at its elderly person housing policy relating to pets.

Animal welfare advocate Penny Ivy spoke to the Infrastructure and Projects Committee on Tuesday, on behalf of a client who was distraught that after 14 years waiting on a council flat, she’d have to leave her fox terrier Daisy behind.

A recent widow, the 80-year-old soon-to-be tenant needed to move from her current flat as it was unsuitable for her needs, and had become “anxious, tearful and fearful” when she realised her beloved companion wouldn’t be able to join her.

Her family doctor had also written a letter in support as her mental health had deteriorated.

Penny asked council to consider each tenant on a ‘case by case’ basis as it was “uncaring and inhumane,” to deprive elderly from their beloved pets in the last years of their lives.

The current policy only allowed for ‘registered disability-assist dogs’ as an allowable pet.

A report to the committee from property portfolio manager Heather Guise said tenants on the waiting list with dogs were aware of the no dogs policy and have, in the past, remained on the list either the dog has passed away or they have successfully rehomed the dog.

But proposed changes through the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill relating to pets have prompted whether a review of the council policy was required allowing tenants to have pets (in particular dogs) in council-owned units.

The bill proposes to amend the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 so that a ‘pet bond’ may be required by landlords up to a maximum value of two weeks’ rent (in addition to the regular rental bond).

In order to keep a pet in a rental property, the Bill requires the tenant to obtain written consent from their landlord, who may only refuse on reasonable grounds.

The Bill intends to make tenants fully liable for careless and accidental pet-related damage that is beyond fair wear and tear.

The closing date for submissions is today (July 3), and would then go to the Select Committee for hearing of submissions, deliberation and presentation for the second reading of the Bill.

Deputy Mayor Tom Campbell suggested that council staff bring back a paper in the next month addressing the issue with options, and this was supported by councillors, who agreed their policy was not fair.

Daisy will just have to wait another month to find out whether she’s allowed to move house with her owner or not.