Rental rules leave Moro homeless

A woman who has been helping find a home for a dog following its owners' marriage break-up, says landlords needs to be more flexible in their thinking when it comes to pets.

Moro, a nine year old chocolate labrador, is the victim of a family split and is looking for a home. Right now he's being looked after at Tauranga Kennels & Cattery and is officially in the care of Mana Rescue.

Jan Cooper, from Tauranga, is looking after a Facebook page set up to find Moro a home.

She says in this day and age, it's unfair of landlords to have a blanket ban on animals when many people can't afford homes and have to rent.

"This family looked for several months for a rental property that would take a dog but, in the end, the mum had to take one that didn't," says Cooper.

"In situations like this the whole thing is already upsetting enough for the children without having to lose their pet," she says.

"It's a real issue. Ironically I have a rental property myself, and I let it out to people with a dog once. It wasn't the dog that was the problem it was the family!"

She says she hears of many animals left in similar situations.

There have been a few offers for Moro, he's not a cat lover so needs to go to a home without cats. Although he is coping with the kennels, Cooper says he is desperate to go to a home. She says he gets very excited when taken for a walk as he thinks he's going home. Cooper is currently talking to a potential new owner in  Auckland but nothing is finalised.

Moro's credentials:
Chocolate labrador - male, aged 9 - desexed.
Not overweight - fit and healthy - no arthritis or other medical conditions.
Up to date with vaccinations, flea and worm treatments.
Loves people, children and medium-big dogs.
Well behaved - doesn't jump up at you, obeys regular doggy commands
Has been a loved family pet all his life.
He's used to staying in a fenced section during the day and in the house evenings/nights and weekends when the family's home.

Some quotes from Moro:
"My mum and dad have split up and I'm very, very sad and confused. One minute I was happy as anything, living with my family and the next, I was put in the car of a strange woman (who was very nice to me) and drove all the way from Hamilton to Tauranga.
"I'm currently staying at Tauranga Kennels & Cattery - I've been there 4 weeks now and I'm 'over it'. I really don't understand why I'm there ... I'm a good boy and I miss my family. Apparently, my mum & dad are getting a divorce. I don't know what that is, but I don't like it cos now I can't live with them anymore and I'm very sad."

Contact Jan Cooper on 021 262 1628

Or If you want to adopt an animal from Auckland the SPCA always has plenty and you can see them online here.

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