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NOAH endorses report to support pets in rented accommodation
"NOAH believes that improving the ability to share our lives with companion animals benefits both people and animals." - Dawn Howard, NOAH CEO.
The 'Heads for Tails!' report was published by AdvoCATS on 2 September. 

The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH), has announced its endorsement of a new report to support pets in rented accommodation.

Published on 2 September 2021 by Jen Berazai, co-founder of AdvoCATS, the new 'Heads for Tails!' report outlines key policy recommendations that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) could take forward to make it easier for tenants to rent with pets in the UK.

Supported by over 30 charities, landlord groups, housing associations and more, the report's main policy recommendation is to amend the Tenant Fees Act (2019) in order to include pet deposits and/or pet insurance in the list of permitted payments. 

As a result of the Tenant Fees Act, currently one in five landlords who previously allowed pets no longer do, as they have lost a form of security in being unable to require payments for pets. 

Research held by AdvoCATS suggests that 75 per cent of landlords support the provision of pet insurance to protect property, and over half of UK pet owners would be willing to take out pet insurance if required by a landlord. 

NOAH CEO Dawn Howard commented on the report: “Renting in the UK with a pet is extremely challenging, with a small number of properties on the rental market advertised as pet friendly. We launched our campaign, ‘Securing the Right to Rent with Pets’ earlier this year and are delighted to support the ‘Heads for Tails’ report recommendations, to make this a reality.

“The MHCLG are aware of the problem: indeed, they have updated the Model Tenancy Agreement (MTA) for England, removing the ability for landlords to issue a blanket ban on pets – instead, consent for pets is the default position, and landlords will have to object in writing within 28 days of a written pet request from a tenant and provide a good reason for refusal. It’s a very positive step which we welcome, but there’s the potential to do a lot more.

“At NOAH, we are proud to endorse this policy recommendation, and look forward to continuing to support AdvoCATS as they promote this policy to the MHCLG.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.