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Pet rights for renters step closer after bill passes second reading
The bill has now passed to the committee stage of its journey through Parliament.
Animal welfare charities have welcomed the legislation.

New rights that would make it easier for renters to keep a pet are a step closer to becoming law after the Renters’ Rights Bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons.

Under the bill, landlords will be unable to unreasonably refuse a request from a tenant to keep a pet. The changes will also offer protection to landlords, as they will be able to require that the tenant has pet insurance that covers any damage to the property.

Similar legislation had been proposed by the previous government, but had failed to pass through Parliament before the general election.

The Renters’ Rights Bill will now be scrutinised by a Public Bill Committee which is expected to report to the House of Commons by 28 November.

The progress of the bill has been welcomed by animal welfare charities on the grounds that it will reduce the number of people having to give up pets because of lack of suitable accommodation and make it easier for tenants who want pets to become pet owners.

Harriet Main, public affairs manager at the RSPCA, said: “This is an important step forward for a proposed law which will help all those who have been unfairly denied the chance to own a pet purely because of living in rental accommodation.

“Pets should absolutely be allowed to live with their owners in suitable, rented accommodation - unless there is a justifiable reason not to do so. The RSPCA hopes this new law will not only help keep loving owners and their pets together; but open up pet ownership to millions of people living in the private rented sector.”

Annabel Berdy, senior advocacy and government relations officer at Cats Protection, added: “Pet ownership can bring so much to people’s lives - whether it’s providing company for older people, helping children learn about responsibility or being a comfort for people with health conditions.

“Sadly though, this is increasingly becoming a privilege that is only available for people who own their own home. This cannot be right, and we hope this new law will finally end the cruel pet privilege that denies so many people a chance to own a pet.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.