For many people, their pets are part of their families, providing them with mutual companionship, comfort, and positive mental health benefits. According to the RSPCA, more people in Wales consider themselves animal lovers than any other UK nation. People across Wales recognise the benefits of owning a pet, including keeping owners healthy by boosting their immune systems and encouraging them to get regular exercise. It is shown that older people who regularly walk their dogs have better mobility in their homes. Growing up with pets improves children’s social skills, and also encourages responsibility and compassion from an early age.

Banning No Pet Clauses in Tenancy Agreements

Whilst pets provide us with so many benefits, animals are currently facing more challenges than ever against the backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis, with as many as one in five people in Wales worried about the cost of feeding their pet, and, sadly, one in ten are currently cutting back on their own necessities in order to feed their pet. We have also seen the cost of vet bills skyrocket recently, and this, coupled with a reduction in people paying for pet insurance, is a serious animal welfare concern. As many households fall on hard times, all avenues must be explored to ensure that pets are able to stay in good homes where they are loved.

The UK is also in the midst of a housing crisis, and whilst 53% of households have a pet, just 8% of rental properties are advertised as pet friendly. A lack of pet-friendly homes is one of the key drivers behind people handing over their dogs to rehoming centres in Wales. During a 3-month period, 118 people inquired about handing over their dogs to the Dogs Trust, citing a change in accommodation or rental agreement as the reason for wanting to relinquish their dog. The mental health repercussions for both pet and owner caused by this forced separation can be devastating. It is also totally unnecessary; evidence gathered by the Senedd’s Local Government and Housing Committee found that pet owners in fact make excellent tenants who are more likely to stay in rental accommodation for an extended period of time, with the vast majority of landlords finding no pet-related damage to their properties whatsoever.

Making pets the legal default in tenancy agreements would allow more renters to keep or adopt animals and enjoy the many benefits pets provide. Sadly, the lack of pet-friendly accommodation also exacerbates the horrendous situations for pet owners who face domestic violence, making it even harder to find somewhere to escape to. Animal abuse occurs in 88% of families where physical abuse of children has been reported, and pets are often used as blackmail in domestic abuse cases.

Reforming private tenancy pet clauses would also be positive for animal welfare establishments such as sanctuaries, rescues, and rehoming centres which are currently struggling with increased costs at a time when fewer people are in a position to commit to pet ownership. As it stands, many establishments of this nature are full to capacity. This includes the RSPCA in Bryn-y-Maen in North Wales. Last year, the centre found new homes for 349 animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, and more. With there being so many rescue animals in need of forever homes, it is vital that people are actively encouraged to consider adopting a pet as opposed to shopping for one. Fostering could also be considered for anybody who would like to own a pet but is worried about being tied down or the cost of ownership. Often, rescue centres will cover vet bills and help with food costs for foster homes. Fostering an animal isn’t a lifetime commitment, but is a commitment to saving an animal’s life.

Regulating Animal Welfare Establishments and Banning Greyhound Racing in Wales

The regulation of sanctuaries, rescues, and rehoming centres by the Welsh Government would also ensure that the temporary homes that rescue animals are held in have good welfare standards and that those who provide the care for these vulnerable animals have the skills, experience, knowledge, and funds to do so.

The latest data from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain shows that more than half of retired greyhounds (and most of them are less than five years of age) are handed over to charities upon retirement, and this is the equivalent of thousands of dogs. Bringing an end to this cruel sport in Wales would create fewer dogs in need of rehoming at the end of their racing careers, whilst also protecting animal welfare and easing the burden on rehoming charities.

Opposing Consumerist Breeding

During these challenging times, it is more important than ever that people are ensuring that they’re in a position to commit to pet ownership, have undertaken the relevant research, and that the decisions they make are not guided by trends or the look of a pet to make a particular fashion statement.

Breeding for extreme conformations has become increasingly common over the last decade, as demonstrated by the increase in the number of brachycephalic pets. Those are the flat-faced pets which very often have severe breathing problems, and they include several popular brands of dogs, cats, and even rabbits. With brachycephalic pets more likely to need more frequent veterinary intervention, it is vital that owners think very carefully about whether purchasing one of these animals is the right thing to do.

It is welcome that the new UK Labour Government has committed to a ban on the import of puppies, as well as the potential to see a ban on the import of dogs with cropped ears. Being subject to mutilation can have long-term effects on a dog’s behaviour and their ability to communicate. Such a ban would help close a loophole that is currently being exploited by those who seek to prioritise profits over animal welfare.

The Vital Role of Government

Ensuring that current and prospective dogs owners have access to the relevant guidance and advice is highly important to support owners in providing a good home for a dog. This should be true no matter what breed a person owns. As it stands, the Welsh Government provides the relevant advice and guidance on its website, as well as its code of practice for the welfare of dogs. Better promotion of this guidance as part of a public awareness campaign could make it accessible to more people, with potential for the advice to be improved upon. For example, the Welsh Government could provide advice and resources that cover how to recognise and understand dog body language, signpost toward approved dog trainers, behaviourists, and puppy classes, and provide advice for owners who may need to muzzle train their dogs. A reminder of dog owners’ legal obligations to keep their animals under proper control at all times would also be fitting.

We all have a role to play in ensuring a good quality of life for animals in Wales. While responsible pet ownership is highly important, the role of decision makers such as the Welsh Government and Members of the Senedd cannot be underestimated. It is vital that any legislative changes take animal sentience into account and that decisions we make on behalf of animals are in their best interest as well as ours. We need to be their voice, too.

• This article was originally written for and published by Welsh Fabians: https://medium.com/@mikehedges_93307/the-pawfect-place-to-call-home-providing-safe-accommodation-for-pets-in-wales-4ac729ff0390