Woman being forced to give up puppy that GP recommended
A COUNCIL candidate has called for a housing association to reverse its decision to force a depressed tenant to rehome her dog.
Plaid Cymru’s Tim Thomas said a female Valleys to Coast ( V2C) tenant living in a middle floor maisonette on Heol yr Ysgol, Tondu, who has been diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety, has been told to re- home her small lurcher.
He said this is despite her GP recommending she got a dog because they thought it would improve her mental health.
Mr Thomas said the tenant, who does not want to be identified, has suffered from suicidal thoughts and has selfharmed in the past.
He said the dog, named Sally, has helped the 37 year old tenant and her well-being has dramatically improved as it has given her a focal point in her life and something to love and care for.
But he claimed V2C has said that the tenant has until today to rehome the dog as owning the dog without direct access to a garden is a breach of the her tenancy agreement.
“I really thought we had turned a corner in terms of supporting people with mental health conditions. ,” he said.
“I have been told by the tenant that she was not even asked if she had any pets from the housing association when she originally moved in.
“Since she has been told the devastating news the tenant has continued self-harming and has been in contact with local mental health professionals despite the dog causing no actual problems.
“I am really surprised by the actions of Valleys to Coast as previously I had built up a good dialog with them over my case work and they have been very accommodating.
“In light of this, I believe it is not too late for them to turn the corner and allow this extremely vulnerable person to keep their dog and to show a clear message that they really do care.
“I am confident that they will see the original error of their ways and this can be sorted out.”
A spokeswoman for V2C said: “We cannot discuss any individual cases. Some of our properties are not suitable for pet ownership.
“We make this clear when we advertise our properties and when we meet with new customers.
“We always consider the impact pets can have on the broader community, and work with our customers to ensure their pets remain as healthy and happy as possible,” she said.