As pet owners and dog lovers, we wish to stand up for the thousands of dog owners and dogs in Housing New Zealand (HNZ) homes.

HNZ are not allowing any new tenant to keep a dog at the property unless they have very special circumstances. And thousands of current tenants face eviction if they continue to keep their dogs.

HNZ Criteria for having a dog

A dog is allowed to live in a state house if

• It has been trained to assist a person with a disability

• It is important to a tenant's therapy for a mental illness or other chronic health conditions.

• It has been at a property for many years and has been present at inspections.

• Permission has been granted on a case-by-case basis.

We wish to uphold the rights of HNZ tenants, 50 % of whom currently keep a dog, to have full and normal lives and families.

We are also extremely concerned about the lives of the HNZ’s estimated 15, 200 dogs currently in HNZ homes but not permitted. Many will end up in pounds, to either be “put down” (methods include gas chambers (e.g. Wanganui pound)  or ending up with rescue organisations. Unnecessarily when they already have homes.

We ask that owners who microchip, register and desex their dogs be accepted as part of the tenancy agreement.

Issues raised by HNZ about dogs can be solved:

The properties identified as unsuitable for dogs could be classified as such.

An extra bond or insurance could be used to alleviate HNZ and other landlords' concerns about damage. 

Problems with dogs annoying neighbours and preventing access could be dealt with by Animal Control, as for any other residence.

We are all aware that sometimes circumstances beyond our control alter the position we are in and our ability to choose where we live. But our dogs should stay with us! It is tragic for a family with a loyal dog as a companion to have it taken away because they need to become HNZ tenants. Dogs have proven benefits to health and well being.

Please support this petition. You never know when your circumstances may change.

Media:  Michelle Hagar 0277128848