Many of us know first-hand the challenges of finding housing or homeowners insurance if we have a pet. House Bill 23-1068 would offer important assistance to help pet owners, which in turn would help keep more families housed and keep animals out of shelters.

HB 23-1068 has several important elements. It would prohibit pet security deposits for renters while creating a damage mitigation fund to help landlords if needed. It would require landlords to contact animal control if a pet is left behind during an eviction. It would require affordable housing developments to allow pets if they want to receive the Colorado Housing Tax Credit. And, last but not least, it would prohibit insurance companies from using the breed of a dog to deny housing insurance.

This last point is key. Evidence shows that the breed of a dog is not the determinant of aggressive or destructive behavior. Individual dogs are individuals — just like people. Insurance companies would still have the power to deny insurance if an individual dog's behavior is a problem, but it would prevent breed discrimination, and that in turn would keep thousands of dogs from ending up in shelters because their owners can't get insurance.

Please let your state legislator know: vote yes on HB 23-1068.

Diana Shubart

Highlands Ranch