Bill 218 protects both landlords and their tenants while recognizing that owning a pet has numerous social and health benefits, especially for seniors: Gerrard

 Winnipeg – Jon Gerrard, Leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party and MLA for River Heights is set to welcome hundreds of Manitoba pet lovers to the front steps of the Legislature on Saturday, May 8 at 11:00 A.M., for a rally in support of Bill 218 (Fluffy’s Law).  The event is co-hosted by Bill McDonald, Executive Director of the Winnipeg Humane Society. 

 “This bill has been extremely well received by Manitobans.  We have collected nearly 6000 signatures on our petitions and the facebook group has grown to 4400 people,” said Gerrard.  “I know that many NDP and Tory MLAs are receiving letters and calls from their constituents asking that they support Fluffy’s Law as it comes forward for second reading on May 11.”

 Gerrard added that Fluffy’s Law isn’t just about accommodating pet lovers as the bill offers taxpayers significant benefits though a reduction in government health care costs: “Numerous medical studies reveal that owning a pet has a very positive impact on cardiovascular and mental health.  I have spoken with medical professionals who are involved with pet therapy programs and they see almost immediate improvements in their patients after a visit with a pet.”  

 “If we can keep our citizens happy and healthier by simply allowing them the option to have a pet in their rental property while protecting the investment of property owners then that is something that government should support.  Healthier Manitobans will use our health care system less and this will ultimately save taxpayer’s money,” said Gerrard.

The Winnipeg Humane Society has endorsed Bill 218 citing the growing number of pets that are surrendered each year due to a lack of pet-friendly rental properties in Manitoba. 

 “Nearly each and every day our shelter faces the upset of owners turning over their pets due to a no-pet policy.  Frankly I find it baffling that landlords are being so shortsighted and hard-headed on this issue.  We have learned that in the 11 years Fluffy’s Law has taken effect in Ontario, only 1% of the 800,000 complaints received annually by their rental tribunal are pet related,” said McDonald. 

 -30-

Government Link to Bill 218:  http://web2.gov.mb.ca/bills/39-4/b218e.php  

Background Information Attached

Rally Information:

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Start Time – 11:00 am

Front Steps, Manitoba Legislature

For more information, please contact: Michelle Nyhof, Communications Officer, Manitoba Liberal Caucus at (204) 771-2513 or michelle.nyhof@leg.gov.mb.ca