Save lives – stand up for pets in strata

As urban density increases, the number of homes that are ‘pet-friendly’ is shrinking and many strata schemes impose blanket bans on pets. This is increasing the number of pets surrendered to pounds and shelters and reducing the number of pets adopted. It is heartbreaking for people and it can be fatal for their pets.

You can make a difference!

The NSW Government is reviewing strata and community title laws and is seeking feedback from the community.

Please take the time to speak on behalf of our beautiful companion animal friends and make a submission to the review. You don’t have to consider all the issues in the review – you can just make a submission about pets if you prefer.

Page 54 of the discussion paper considers pets, and question 81 asks ‘what do you think should be done, if anything, about pets in schemes?’

We support the ACT model which removes the right for schemes to ban pets and which allows pets to be kept with consent, which cannot be unreasonably withheld. We’re not dog experts, but those who are will tell you that in assessing suitability of dogs for apartment living, it’s breed and temperament that count, not size. As for cats, it is inappropriate to enforce ‘one-cat only’ policies. For indoor-only cats, invariably two is better than one as they provide stimulation and company for each other while their people are at work.

Cats make beautiful loving companions and are ideal for apartment living. Anyone who shares their life with a cat, or cats, knows they comfort us when we’re sad, make us laugh with their antics, give us a sense of purpose and quite simply make a house a home. Not only that, research tells us the benefits of pets to people include:

•    Lower levels of risk factors for cardiovascular disease; fewer doctor visits
•    Better psychological health including less depression
•    A buffer against grief and stress
•    Positive association with social contact and perceptions of neighbourhood friendliness (social capital).

Denying pet ownership in strata and community title denies people access to these important benefits, reduces social capital and leads to more cats and dogs in pounds and shelters.

Click here to access the strata review and submission process.

Submissions close 15 November – please help our community be more pet-friendly and encourage others to make submissions too. Lives depend on it.