Pets not welcome at homeless hostels

More than eight out of 10 homeless people with
pets have been denied accommodation because they own a pet,
according to a survey by the Blue Cross animal welfare charity.

The charity last week launched a campaign to
urge housing providers to review their policies and ensure
pet-owning homeless people are given the same opportunities to get
off the streets and into safe accommodation.

The survey also found that 88 per cent of
homeless people said companionship was the best thing about having
a pet.

Steve Goody, director of companion animal
welfare at the Blue Cross, said: “For many homeless people a pet is
their only companion. Asking them to give up their dog to stay the
night in a hostel or a B&B is like asking them to abandon their
partner or best friend.”

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