The Andrews Labor Government will end the discrimination against tenants with pets as part of its unprecedented reforms to make renting fair for all Victorians.
Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford joined Dr Chris Brown today to back a national campaign to make it easier for people to rent a house and own a pet.
As part of its rental fairness reforms, the Labor Government will give every tenant the right to own a pet -- with landlords only able to refuse in specific circumstances.
This will not only make Victoria a better place for pets to live, but also give more people the ability to have their own lives enriched by owning a pet.
Ms Pulford also launched the “Better for Pets Campaign”.
The campaign is based on research from La Trobe University that shows that although Victorians want the best for their pets, many struggle to provide the right care without evidence-based guidance.
For example, many pet owners don’t know dogs bark because they feel ignored, that cats don’t like sharing their food, or that rabbits prefer their homes to be three hops long.
The campaign aims to increase owners’ knowledge about the needs of their pets by providing pet-specific information about their furry and feathered friends, as well as general knowledge about responsible pet ownership.
Fact sheets, posters, free publications and online advertisements will be available and promoted at vet clinics, pet stores, local councils and schools across the state.
The campaign is one of many Labor Government initiatives that will improve the welfare of animals in Victoria, including the launch of Animal Welfare Victoria and the release of the state’s first Animal Welfare Action Plan.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“No one should have to choose between the pet they love and a place to live – our reforms will end this discrimination.”
“Victoria is a great state for people to live – we want it to be a great state for pets too.”
“About two thirds of Victorian households have pets. This campaign will help all of those families provide a better life for their furry or feathered friend.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020