Most children have a dream of owning and taking care of a pet but unfortunately in New Zealand, that dream is nothing but a fantasy for most of them including me, Angel van Zyl from Dunedin Otago. 

five years ago I moved to New Zealand from South Africa which is when I lost my beloved dogs (Bingo, Flakkie, and Abby) and have not been able to get one since, due to strict rental regulations here in NZ that have made it difficult if not impossible for my parents to obtain and or afford to get and keep a pet for me. I was only ten when we left South Africa and am now sixteen and have lived all this time in NZ without even a single dog.

   Ever since I moved here with my family I have developed both depression and severe anxiety that might have been prevented if I had a dog to comfort me and I can't help wondering how many other children out there in NZ are forced to live without the joys and comfort that only come from having a pet in their lives.

I hereby petition Jacinda Ardern and the New Zealand government to make it easier for families in NZ to obtain and take care of a family pet, especially considering the positive impact such a change would make on the mental health of children in New Zealand