It is clear that the number of abandoned animals currently under the care of various shelters and rescue organizations, and those that are unnecessarily destroyed, can be dramatically reduced if British Columbia steps into the 21st century by following the lead of other, more enlightened jurisdictions such as Ontario, and recognize the basic rights and freedoms of its citizens, by enacting, in legislation renters' rights to no longer be discriminated against for the sole purpose of having a pet.

We are aware and under advisement that the current provincial government is in the process of reviewing and considered amendment of all pieces of provincial legislation - including the Residential Tenancy Act. We are also aware that there has been a move towards sanity in favour of rights of animal-loving renters as evidenced by Arbitrators' decisions (such as Burnaby File No. 135893, Decision Date: 2001/11/15 overturning the eviction of Shirley Hodgson by Lougheed Village Apartments) as well as Section 31, respecting Pet Clauses, under the Residential Tenancy Interpretation Guideline (you may review at: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/rto/pubs_rpts/guidelines/31inter.htm).

Given the upcoming review and expected re-write of the Residential Tenancy Act, I strongly urge all animal loving constituents of British Columbia to contact the Minister responsible at:
Minister's Office

Honourable Rich Coleman
P.O. Box 9053, Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC
V8W 9E1

Telephone: 250 356-7717
Fax: 250 356-8270

And:

The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General address is:

Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

P.O. Box 9282, Stn Prov Govt

Victoria, BC

V8W 9J7

Telephone: 250 356-9596

Fax: 250 387-1753

Send e-mail to the Ministry

We need to send the message to the government that it can no longer allow the continued infringements on personal rights and freedoms not to mention those of the animals of the province.

Thank you.