Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:44 pm on 6 July 2022.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd, and I’d like to thank the Minister for her response and Members from across the Chamber for their contributions. I think there’s, hopefully, cross-party agreement that there is a need to act here. I always hear a lot about Arthur. I haven’t actually met Arthur yet, but I think the point Jane made, and Jack as well, around homelessness and homeless people with pets is a very important point. We know that for many of these homeless people who own pets, the pet is their world. They would put the pet before themselves. I know of many who feed their pets before they feed themselves. And that's why this specific issue is quite heartbreaking, when we think about the fact that these people are put in positions where they have to give up their pet in order to access safe accommodation. So, there is a need to address that as a priority. And the figure of only eight hostels across Wales is a shocking figure indeed.
Again, referring to Jack as the Chair of the Petitions Committee—I hope I haven't jumped the gun a bit here—as a fellow member of the Petitions Committee, and, of course, Carolyn as well, pointing out that petition that was before the committee, submitted by Sam Swash. I think that demonstrated the desire for this outside of the Senedd. So, again, not just a political call, but something I think that the people outside of the Senedd want to see as well. And Sioned as well, I think, with the important point she made around her constituent and her ducks, because I think it's important for us to remember, when we're talking about pets, we're not just talking about cats and dogs, we're talking about a whole array of different animals. And it was an important point on why people should—. It was an important that Sioned made, in the sense that why should people who don't their own home be restricted in having their own companion, like many other people—over half of households in Wales—are able to have.
On the Minister's response, I'm incredibly grateful for the Minister's support in principle for the idea that people should be allowed to have pets no matter whether they're in their own home or in rented accommodation. I do think there is a need for legislation. I outlined some of those reasons in my opening speech. It's not just me saying that; it's the RSPCA as well. The UK Government seem to think that there is a need as well. They're beginning to legislate on this particular point. Because I do agree with the Minister on the model tenancy agreement. It is slightly unclear, but there's further legislation coming down the line, so I've been told. I think this might be, actually, the first time since I've been elected that I've actually said that I agree with something that the UK Government is doing, so I hope the Welsh Tories are savouring the moment. But, again, the RSCPA are also saying this as well. There seems to be a bit of disconnect on what the Government says is in place to prevent the refusal of pets in rented accommodation and what is actually happening on the ground. Although we disagree, I think there is scope for continued dialogue on this, and I very much look forward to working with the Government, with the Minister, on this particular point. And I hope actually, as a cross-party contingent of Members in this Senedd, that we can all work on this going forward, because there is a clear demand for this.
So, in closing, I would repeat what I said initially in my first speech, or to end my first speech, which was that I hope other Members will support this motion in order to ensure the rights of everyone in Wales to have a companion, no matter whether they're in rented accommodation or in their own home. Diolch.