Scoop team: The following is an anonymous email sent to Scoop

HNZC's statement re no change to policy on dogs is not true.

Re: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1401/S00416/spca-follow-up-statement-to-the-hnz-state-housing-dog-policy.htm

When I became a HNZC tenant my dog and cats were allowed.  My tenancy manager has told me in an email that new applicants for state housing are declined if they have dogs.  HNZC won't admit that publicly.

I was recently told I had to sign the attached form agreeing to put my house dog outside 24/7 which is cruel and will undoubtedly result in a noise complaint.
If I can't stop my dog's expressions of distress they can take my dog and 'dispose' of said dog at my expense.  Note they also require that I agree to let them give my details to third parties such as the SPCA and council.  My dog is registered and microchipped as per the legal requirements and up to date on vaccinations.

To give tenants 90 days to find the money necessary to move into the private rental market or get rid of their dog is obscene.  I am sick with worry being at the mercy of such callous and unreasonable ideologues.  I simply cannot afford to move but nor can I kill my dog if I can't find another home for a 5yo dog with medical issues.  

This is the anti-pet agenda from state landlords and is evident around the world where people in public housing are having the terms of their existence dictated to them including whether they can keep pets.

As housing becomes ever more unaffordable and we become a world of tenants our pets are in real peril, as are the livelihoods of those involved in the pet care industry from pet food manufacturers to vets etc.  This anti-pet agenda is going to have huge ramifications from GDP and employment to the kids who are going to be traumatised and disaffected when Mum and Dad have to kill the four-legged family member to keep a roof over their heads.  

It is hard enough to home shelter dogs now in this depressed economy so what hope do HNZC tenants have of re-homing their 40,000 dogs?
Signed: Very Worried Tenant.

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