NEW LEGISLATION WOULD GIVE LOW INCOME PET OWNERS MORE HOUSING OPTIONS. 

THE BILL LETS PEOPLE LIVING IN STATE SUBSIDIZED HOUSING KEEP A CAT OR A DOG, REGARDLESS OF THE ANIMAL’S SIZE, WEIGHT OR BREED. SENATOR LINDA HOLMES OF AURORA SAYS TOO MANY FAMILIES ARE HAVING TO GIVE UP THEIR BELOVED PETS WHEN THEY MOVE.

MOVING TO HOUSING THAT DOESN’T ALLOW PETS OR ONLY CERTAIN SIZES AND BREEDS OF DOGS AND CATS IS ONE OF THE TOP REASONS PEOPLE SURRENDER THEIR ANIMALS SAYS SHOSHANA MOSTOLLER WITH THE BELLEVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY.

HOLMES SAYS THERE IS CURRENTLY A SHORTAGE OF PET-FRIENDLY HOUSING IN ILLINOIS…AND THAT STUDIES SHOW TENANTS WITH PETS TEND TO STAY LONGER AND DON’T HAVE ANY MORE DAMAGE THEN THOSE WITHOUT DOGS OR CATS.