Dee Bonett and Maidstone Borough Council have won a much-deserved award for their partnership driving new pet-friendly housing policy following the tragic suicide of John Chadwick. The John Chadwick Pet Policy ensures that those with pets who have become homeless are supported in Emergency Accommodation until suitable permanent accommodation can be found – for both the homeless person and their pet. SCAS is proud to have supported Dee as she worked with Maidstone Borough Council to develop this new policy together.
Dee Bonett and Maidstone Borough Council have won a much-deserved award for their partnership driving new pet-friendly housing policy following the tragic suicide of John Chadwick. Following the death of her friend, John Chadwick, a vulnerable man who was forced to relinquish his beloved pets, Dee Bonett campaigned relentlessly to remove the clause that deemed those who refused permanent non-pet friendly accommodation as ‘intentionally homeless’. Had John not relinquished his companions he would have lost the much-needed social support and temporary housing he was currently receiving. However, being parted from his family proved too much to bear.
On 5 October 2021, The John Chadwick Pet Policy was introduced by Maidstone Borough Council, ensuring that those with pets who have become homeless are supported in Emergency Accommodation until suitable permanent accommodation can be found – for both the homeless person and their pet.
Michelson Found Animals presented the Pet Awards at The Apartment Internet Marketing Conference (AIM) on 9 May 2023 in Huntington Beach, California. The AIM Pet Awards are an opportunity for rental housing companies and communities to showcase how they’ve created more pet-inclusive communities. Read all about the award winners here.
Maidstone Borough Council was one of the winners and the first international submission. The award was a Special Recognition for Outstanding Policy Advocacy.
Maidstone Borough has shown what is possible by introducing a new approach that recognises pets as family members.
Well done to Dee Bonett, John Littlemore, and the team at Maidstone Borough Council. We look forward to learning of other boroughs following your lead.
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SCAS is the UK’s leading human-companion animal bond organisation through funding research, providing education, raising awareness, encouraging best practice, and influencing the development of policies and practices that support the human-companion animal bond. For more details check out our website at www.scas.org.uk