Overview

The Dogs and Domestic Animals (Accommodation and Protection) Bill aims to establish a right for people to keep dogs and other domestic animals in their rented or temporary accommodation in England and Wales, while also implementing measures to protect animal welfare and ensure responsible pet ownership.

Description

This bill grants a general right to keep dogs and other domestic animals in rented or temporary accommodation, overriding any existing contractual restrictions. However, this right is subject to exceptions:

• Exceptions: Landlords can restrict this right if the pet owner lacks a "certificate of responsible animal guardianship," demonstrating responsible pet care and the animal's health and safety, or if the landlord possesses a "certificate of exemption" due to religious, medical, or accommodation-related reasons.
• Certificates of Responsible Animal Guardianship: The Secretary of State will define regulations for these certificates, including tests assessing responsible pet ownership, animal health, and training (particularly for dogs). Microchipping will be mandatory for dogs and cats to obtain a certificate.
• Certificates of Exemption: These certificates allow landlords to restrict pet ownership, considering factors such as religious or medical needs or the suitability of the accommodation.
• Landlord Statements: Larger landlords will be required to create yearly statements outlining their steps to support pet ownership and animal welfare in their properties, publishing these on their websites or providing them upon request.
• Mandatory Microchipping: The bill mandates microchipping for all dogs and cats in England, establishing a national database to track animals and their ownership. Veterinary surgeons will be required to scan animals for microchips and update the database.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't explicitly state the cost to the government. However, implementing the new regulations (certificates, database, enforcement) will likely involve significant government spending. The exact figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Renters: Potentially benefit from a strengthened right to keep pets, but this depends on the specifics of the regulations and landlord actions.
• Landlords: May face new administrative burdens related to certificates and statements. They could also face restrictions on their ability to enforce no-pet policies.
• Veterinary Surgeons: Will be tasked with microchip scanning, database updates, and potentially issuing certificates.
• Animals: The bill aims to improve their welfare through responsible ownership measures.
• People with allergies or phobias: The certificates of exemption could provide some protection in cases of severe allergies or phobias, though the extent will depend on how the regulations are defined.

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