We've all seen it, heard about it or have experienced it ourselves. The discriminatory practices against animals being allowed in rentals throughout this County. 

Every single day we see individuals, families and young adults struggling to find a home or rental that will allow their dog or cat. Everyday we see an uptick of animals being dumped at local shelters all because they couldn't find a home that will allow their pet. Everyday we see our parents or our adult children moving in with family because they can't find a home for themselves that will allow their pet.

We as a community understand there are a few people that do not hold responsibility for their animals and let them destroy your rental properties. We are not all like that. The majority of animal owners care for, love and take responsibility for their pet. Individual actions should not represent the masses.

There's a reason why pet deposits and pet rent exist. To cover any possible damage an animal might do to your property. If it's any damage at all. There's very few apartment complexes that allow animals with an additional $200 monthly rent. I've seen four bedroom, three bath houses with large backyards going for $3,000 a month, saying "no pets allowed". If possible renters make the required three times the amount of rent, $9,000 a month, we should be able to have our pets with us.

The discrimination against animals in rentals has gotten way out of hand! We as a community need to stand up and do something. I was born in San Luis Obispo, at General Hospital. I have lived here my entire life. Yes, I am a renter because I prefer to be a renter, not everyone wants to purchase a home and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. 

We need to go to our community leaders and fight for our right to have, take care of, house and love our animals. I'd rather live in my car with my cat then give her up for an overpriced, run-down apartment.

I'm starting this petition to hopefully gain enough signatures to take to our community leaders and try to make changes. Somehow, someway we need to fight this! The animals don't have a voice, we need to use ours and speak for them. Make it loud, make it heard! No animals left behind! Renters deserve the right to keep their family members with them. Stop filling the shelters! Stop breaking up families!