Care Homes And Domestic Pets Bill

On Friday a Private Member's Bill which wants to increase the number of residential care and sheltered housing providers which allow pets, receives its Second Reading in the House of Commons. The Care Homes and Sheltered Accommodation (Domestic Pets) Bill 2009-10 was first presented to Parliament by Shadow Minister for Older People Nigel Waterson MP in December.

The Society for Companion Animal Studies, (SCAS) which wants to raise awareness of the bond between people and their pets through its Pets for Life campaign, has said it welcomes the boost of support the Reading will generate for its cause.

Nigel Waterson:

"The UK needs to adopt a more enlightened and responsible policy towards increasing the number of care homes and sheltered housing accommodation which allow pets in residence. The current practice is totally unacceptable in a civilised country and we should follow the example of countries, such as France and the USA, who have passed legislation aimed at allowing people to keep their beloved pets."

SCAS campaign appeals to all public and private housing providers to adopt responsible pet policies that enable older people to make an informed choice about their future.

Currently only 35% of homes in the UK have any formal written policy on pets despite research which supports the psychological and physiological benefits of pet ownership.

Studies show that older people who are forced to part with a pet to move into residential care can suffer feelings of bereavement that are similar to the loss of a family member1. Severe reactions can lead to depression, disturbed sleep or eating patterns, and even physical illness. Conversely, older people who do keep pets enjoy a smoother transition into residential care, as well as significant health benefits, such as a lower risk of heart attack and stroke.