A petition circulating in Calgary is gaining momentum as it seeks to challenge the prohibition of pets in rental accommodations. Initiated on Change.org by local resident Pierre Noiseux, the campaign highlights the hurdles faced by pet owners in securing pet-friendly rentals within the city.
According to Noiseux, the struggle to find suitable housing that accommodates pets is a common plight among many residents of Calgary. With over 500 signatures collected since its launch on April 2nd, the petition underscores a growing demand for change in rental property policies.
Advocates of the petition are urging local authorities and property owners to reconsider their stance on pet bans, asserting that individuals should not face discrimination based on their choice of companionship. They argue that such restrictions not only limit housing options but also contribute to the escalating number of pets being surrendered to shelters.
The issue of pet-friendly housing shortages has been underscored by the Calgary Humane Society (CHS), which halted the intake of animals at their emergency shelter in August 2023 due to overwhelming admissions. Carrie Fritz, Executive Director of CHS, expressed dismay at the severity of the problem, attributing it to a combination of factors including a lack of pet-friendly housing, economic challenges, and inflation. She emphasized the strain experienced by shelters across North America, as pet owners struggle to retain their animals amidst housing shortages.
Similar challenges have been observed in neighboring communities, such as Lethbridge, where the Community Animals Services shelter reported a significant occupancy rate in September 2023. Staff at the shelter identified the scarcity of pet-friendly rental options as a primary contributing factor to the influx of animals.
The petition in Calgary serves as a testament to the growing concern over pet-related housing issues and calls for proactive measures to address the needs of both pet owners and their furry companions.
