The RSPCA has welcomed two new Bills announced in the King’s Speech, including one giving tenants a legal right to keep a pet at rented properties.
RSPCA Head of Public Affairs, David Bowles, said: “We welcome the two Bills announced in the King’s Speech which will improve animal welfare and were previously lost when the UK General Election was called.
“We believe that the Renters Rights Bill will give tenants a legal right to have a pet, unless there is a justifiable reason not to do so – ending blanket bans that exist at present on the keeping of beloved companion animals in rental homes.
“The RSPCA has long campaigned for this change – as we believe this will stop many pet owners having to face the heartbreaking choice of choosing between finding accommodation and keeping their pet; and also offer countless new owners the chance to adopt rescue pets.
“The RSPCA also supports proposals in the Tobacco & Vapes Bill that restrict the sale of disposable vapes, given their potential impact on animals which has been a growing concern for our officers on the frontline.
“Discarded disposable vapes pose a threat to the environment and animals. Five million single-use e-cigarettes are thrown away every week, and many of them end up as litter in our environment, our rivers and the ocean where they can cause harm to animals and marine life.
“The RSPCA will be monitoring the English Devolution Bill closely as new powers for metro-mayors and combined authorities could potentially open up. opportunities for improved animal welfare policies at a more local level, and local solutions to animal welfare challenges.”
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