Call for pets to be allowed in rental properties

Ms Curtis said the proposition could benefit animals

About 17 pets are given up for adoption every year because Jersey landlords do not allow animals, a States official has said.

Deputy Catherine Curtis of St Helier Central wants to change the rules so landlords cannot refuse to allow pets in their properties without a good reason.

A proposition has been put forward by Curtis to request the Minister for Housing makes the necessary legislative changes before March 31 2025.

Curtis said giving up a pet could be "hugely distressing'', adding there should be a clear explanation of what reasons landlords have for refusing animals.

The States report said a census showed about half of households in Jersey live in rented properties.

"Therefore, this proposition could improve the lives of a lot of islanders, benefiting the animals too," Curtis said.

The report said data, supplied by the Jersey Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA), showed 17 pets per year were handed over to the charity due to a landlord specifically not allowing pets.

It said another 42 per year were given up where the reason given was “moving”, and another six per year where the reason was “change in circumstances”.

Curtis said one cat per month was estimated to be handed over to a Jersey rescue centre due to rented property restrictions.

The proposition said the earliest date for debate was November 12 2024.