EDITORIAL
Pet ownership issue best left to negotiation

It is indisputable that owning a pet can be a source of companionship, comfort and entertainment.

So the human impulse behind a legislative bill that would force landlords to allow tenants to keep pets is understandable.

But lawmakers should think carefully before putting this well-intentioned concept into law. For every well-behaved house-trained kitty, there is a rambunctious, out-of-control puppy.

Rental housing is already in short supply. It's likely that some landlords would simply take their property off the market, or, alternatively, jump up the rental price if they are forced to accept pets.

This is an issue best left to negotiation between landlord and tenant. We would encourage landlords to be sympathetic to the importance that pets hold to many people. And we would expect tenants to realize that they may be charged extra for the privilege of keeping their animal in someone else's property.