Political parties so often get caught up in pointing out what each other is doing wrong and focusing on popular issues that they sometimes forget about the smaller, but just as important, things that affect peoples' lives.
On Dec. 8, Manitoba Liberal leader Dr. Jon Gerrard introduced Bill 218, the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act, commonly known as "Fluffy's law", which looks at the health and social benefits that owning a pet gives to people, especially senior citizens.
Bill 218 looks to give landlords and tenants legislation to deal with the issue of pet ownership in rental properties. It would allow landlords to establish and enforce house rules on cleanliness and standards of pet behaviour in a rental complex; would allow the Residential Tenancy Board to consider whether a pet causes a serious allergic reaction or if its behaviour interferes with the tenants' enjoyment of the complex; and would prohibit the use of "no pet" clauses in tenancy agreements and house rules.
Gerrard says there have been numerous studies that show owning a pet has a multitude of health benefits, including increased physical fitness and lower incidents of depression, especially with seniors who frequently live on their own.
Gerrard argued that if citizens can be made happier and healthier by simply having the option to own a pet in their rental property, while also protecting the investment of property owners, the government should support it.
Bill McDonald, director of the Winnipeg Humane Society, says landlords are having a hard time accepting the fact that most pet owners statistically take better care of their property than those who do not own a pet.
I commend Gerrard and find his point of view refreshing and extremely important. As the owner of one cuddly cat and two loveable dogs, I can't tell you the difference they have made in my life. Unfortunately, I have never lived in any apartment or rental property that allowed me to have pets. When my fiancé and I moved into a house for the first time, though, we were quick to go to the Thompson Humane Society and adopt Lily, a Husky mix. We are also fostering (and will most likely adopt) McDuff, a Husky-Schnauzer mix. These two animals (make that three, we can't forget our cat Puff) have changed our lives. They bring us happiness and joy. Seeing them wag their tail and watching them play with each other is sure to cheer us up. Taking them for long walks (even when it's cold outside) has led us to have healthier lives. And an important thing to note is that we have experienced zero damage to our new home despite having two high-energy dogs and one cat living with us.
I really hope the provincial government takes notice of "Fluffy's law" and allows people living in rental complexes to experience the joy and fulfillment that pet ownership is sure to bring.
Miranda Healey is a reporter at the Thompson Citizen. She also is a member of the board of directors of the Thompson Humane Society.
