There won't be a law to prevent landlords in Jersey making blanket bans on pets in their properties, but politicians have asked for guidance to be drawn up instead.

Deputy Catherine Curtis brought the suggestion of legislation to the Assembly, asking members to consider allowing renters in Jersey more rights when it comes to keeping animals.

Around 28 pets are given up annually due to landlords' renting restrictions, meaning people must give away their furry friends.

However, Deputy David Warr watered-down the proposition, so the Housing Minister would only have to look into guidance on islanders asking their landlords whether they can keep a pet.

Some politicians did not like this.  Deputy Tom Coles called it additional red tape, a waste of resources and a waste of paper.

"We've heard of the carrot, we've heard of the stick, Deputy Warr has created the feather, - something that's light and gentle, looks good but really doesn't do much."

Some States members - including the Housing Minister, spoke out against the amendment:

"With respect to the issue of pets in rental homes, the States Assembly have three options today:

"1) Do nothing;

"2) Do something;

"Or 3) Do something that gives the appearance of doing something, but is actually doing nothing.

"This amendment asks for us to do the latter."

- Housing Minister Sam Mézec

"This is a smokescreen, it gets in the way of debating whether [renters] should hold a pet."

- Deputy Moz Scott

Other politicians took the time during their speeches to raise a few laughs:

"The one word I worried about was the word 'pet'.

"I just went to the Oxford Dictionary to look at 'pet' and it says this 'a domestic or tamed animal kept for companionship or pleasure'.

"And the example they give 'the pony was a family pet' [States laughter], I rest my case, Sir."

- Environment Minister Steve Luce

"Not too long ago it was admissible to advertise properties with the caveat of 'no children' and thankfully we as a society have moved on from that position, and it took legislation to do that.

"Pets are a different kettle of fish [States laughter].

"There are lots of reasons why pets may not be suitable for certain properties and indeed certain close-knit neighbourhoods."

- Deputy Malcolm Ferey

The Cat Action Trust in Jersey says they take in around one cat a month, with the JSPCA also stating 65 animals were given up from 2020 to 2024.

Deputy Catherine Curtis said those who took the debate lightheartedly should consider the people who have been hurt by giving up a pet.

"Not taking this matter seriously is a slap in the face to many islanders.

"By voting for the unamended proposition you would have voted to end blanket bans.

"Landlords would still be able to choose the tenant they think best suits their property, they would still have been able to refuse to have pets for valid reasons."

She continued, saying the island should not discriminate against responsible pet owners just because some are bad.

"There are tenants with pets that have damaged property, but that does not mean it's okay to ban all tenants with pets.

"We don't ban all drivers because some are dangerous.

"We don't ban all alcohol because some misuse it."