65% of households have an animal companion. As such, a law prohibiting housing discrimination against those with animal companions is good public policy.
NO KILL ADVOCACY CENTER: ‘Animal Companions [Pets] are family. And they should be treated as such. If HB 1391 becomes law, they will be in New Hampshire as it becomes the first state in the nation to ban housing discrimination against people whose families include dogs, cats, and other animal companions. Based on model legislation by the No Kill Advocacy Center, the precedent-setting bill by Representative Ellen Read addresses one of the most pervasive challenges faced by renters whose family includes an animal: lack of pet-friendly housing… 65% of households have an animal companion, a rate that is expected to grow if laws like this are passed. As such, a law prohibiting housing discrimination against those with animal companions is good public policy, would have bipartisan appeal, and would be popular with voters.
Seventy-three million Americans share their homes with 175 million dogs and cats. We talk to them, sleep next to them, keep their photos on our cell phones, vacation with them, take time off from work to care for them when they are sick, and when it is time to say good-bye, we grieve. For the vast majority of people, the bond they share with animal companions is a familial one, born of love and mutual affection. And yet, studies show that roughly 20% of relinquishment to shelters involves housing issues and the problem is getting worse. People should not have to choose between losing a family member or losing a home’. SOURCE…
RELATED VIDEO: