My rant for the week

Something I noticed while looking at advertisements for properties to rent got me thinking about neglected animals.

While browsing through some popular property websites, and even on Facebook, I noticed that apart from the extremely high rental fees some people charge, most of the advertisements state that the property is not pet friendly. This means if you live on a property with your fur family and need to move to a place that is not pet friendly, you have to get rid of your pets. This does not seem fair to me at all. This might also explain why the SPCAs and other animal shelters are bursting at the seams, and why there are so many unwanted and neglected animals roaming the streets.

This also explains (I think) why so many people say: “Free to a good home”. I am sure they hope and pray that a loving family will take their beloved animals and that they won’t end up as part of a dog-fighting syndicate.

Here’s my question – why are animals not allowed when you rent a property?

I understand that if you live in flat, or a townhouse complex without a fenced-off garden, you have to consider your neighbours. I also realise that many people are not responsible pet owners – they do not sterilise their animals, which means there would be a population explosion in about three month’s time. But, why can you not have animals if you rent a house, a fenced cottage or a fenced townhouse?

Surely responsible pet owners and lessees will ensure the yard is kept clean and free from ‘landmines’?

In my opinion, this policy causes a lot of unnecessary stress – not only for the animal who suddenly feels rejected by the one family he felt was safe – but also for the animal shelters.

Granted, not all people are animal lovers, but if you can’t treat your animal like a family member, you should not have one. They are not lawn ornaments – they play a significant part in your household.

Anyway, this is my rant for the week. I hope someone can explain the reasoning behind the ‘No Pets Allowed’ policy to me.

Until next week, take care of your furry babies.

Ciao