She said roughly 50 per cent of animals that came to the organisation were surrendered because owners had moved properties.
“For most people, giving up their pet is the absolute last resort,” Ms Brooks said.
“It's truly heartbreaking for them, but so many locals just can't find a rental that allows pets.
“We often see people who are going through tough situations like a marriage breakdown and have to move out of the family home and rent — but landlords won't accept pets.
“This new legislation is amazing, and definitely something we needed.”
Ms Brooks hoped the new laws would encourage more people to adopt pets from the shelter.
“People often message us wanting to help out by rehoming a pet,” she said.
“But because they already have a pet, they can’t get approval from their landlords.
“We’ve had other instances where the landlord has said yes, then they’ve gone away and thought about it for a bit and heard horror stories of dogs tearing up backyards.
“And two days later they've changed their minds.
“Hopefully landlords will be open-minded and understand how positive this change is.”
While the local pet adoption facility has opened its arms to animals across the region, Ms Brooks said it simply didn't have the funding or capacity to house pets temporarily while owners found a suitable rental.
“We can refer people to boarding kennels, but we can’t afford to temporarily hold pets,” she said.
“Especially when they’ll be taking the place of animals in desperate need of a home, such as those who are abandoned or abused.”
Ms Brooks hoped the new legislation would alleviate pressure for renters and put responsibility back in their hands.
“As long as they look after the animals and look after the houses they’re renting, it will be absolutely brilliant.”
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