Denver Democrat state Rep. Alex Valdez doesn’t think pet owners should be held financially responsible for the damages caused by cats and dogs in rental units.
Pet deposits should be banned and taxpayers should be forced to pay for all the damages, reports Page Two on legislation Valdez is pushing this session.
Just to be clear, we are avid dog lovers preferring them to people, and don’t wish to get sideways with all you cat lovers.
Rep. Valdez #coleg bill tells rental owners they can’t charge a pet deposit; state would pay for damage #copolitics https://t.co/tRwPK8uDqd
— Complete Colorado (@CompleteCO) January 30, 2023
But Valdez has taken our love for furry friends to the extremes, as only a Democrat can.
He claims his intention is just to encourage landlords to be more pet inclusive in affordable housing, and yet the language isn’t written to encourage, but to mandate.
And making taxpayers foot the bill up to $1,000 for pet damage isn’t the answer.
The Constitution does not guarantee the right to Lab, liberty, and the pursuit of freedom.
Pet owners must take responsibility in choosing which animal is compatible to their lifestyle, and factor in whether they can afford the vet bills for a particular breed, pay for food and medicine, and yes, cover deposits.
Responsible pet owners are thrilled for the opportunity to put down a pet deposit and lease good housing.
Those who try and sidestep their responsibilities as a pet owner are just that, irresponsible people. It’s absurd to put that burden on others.
There is also some legit concern the legislation could backfire and force landlords to opt out of offering pet friendly units.
From Page Two at Complete Colorado:
The bill would allow insurance companies to deny homeowners insurance if a specific individual dog is considered a dangerous dog but does not clarify how that standard would be established other than to point to current Colorado law that sets penalties for harboring a dangerous animal, which is also subjective in definition.
To compensate for prohibiting landlords from asking for additional damage deposits or rent for animals, the bill requires the Department of Local Affairs to create a “pet friendly landlord damage mitigation program.” Under the program, a landlord may receive reimbursement for actual damage caused to a rental property by a pet animal allowed to reside with the tenant, up to $1,000.
The bill is supported by animal rights groups and gets its first hearing Feb. 7 in front of the Transportation, Housing and Local Government committee.