The change, which came into effect on Friday, May 1, gives tenants in the private rented sector in England the legal right to request permission to keep pets in their rented homes.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords cannot unreasonably refuse pet requests, marking a significant shift for Oxfordshire renters who have long faced blanket pet bans.

David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, said: “This is an historic day for pet ownership.

“For too long, renters in England have been unfairly denied the potential joy of pet ownership.

“That ends thanks to this new law.

“This change is a lifeline – not just for families wanting to add a loving pet to the household, but for the many thousands of animals currently stuck in many full to bursting centres, who will now have many new opportunities to find loving adopters.

“Pet ownership is such a big commitment – but can be so rewarding.

“At the RSPCA, we are celebrating that the Renters’ Rights Act will facilitate happier, healthier tenants right across the country – and help us tackle a pet rehoming crisis.”

The charity has described the new law as an opportunity to ‘revolutionise’ pet ownership and believes it will give more animals a chance of finding a home, especially as many of its centres are currently at full capacity.

In recent weeks, the RSPCA has worked with the UK Government to highlight the impact the change could have for prospective pet owners.

The legislation also promises relief for current pet owners who often face the tough decision of giving up their animals to secure housing.

Mr Bowles said this scenario has been all too common.

He said: “There are gut-wrenching examples of people having to surrender their pets to access somewhere to live, because their tenancy agreement will not allow pets.

“Thankfully, those situations too will soon be a thing of the past.”

Among the animals who may benefit from the new law is Sweeny, a Mastiff who has spent nearly a year at the RSPCA’s Newbrook Farm Animal Centre in Birmingham.

Brittanny Baker, animal care assistant, said: “He’s been with us for 11 months now but he is constantly overlooked by potential adopters which breaks my heart.

“Sweeny may be a big boy, but he’s certainly got a big heart.

“He’s goofy, playful and loveable. He learns fast and enjoys training as well as quiet walks out, and playing in the off-lead paddock.”

More information about the RSPCA’s work and its Good Practice Guide for the housing sector can be found on the charity’s website.

Anthony Alce, 78, who lives at Iris Hayter House in Littlemore, was invited by Oxford City Football Club to attend their final home game of the season, where he was given a tour of the ground and the chance to meet club staff.

Mr Alce, who has a schizophrenia diagnosis and uses a wheelchair, described the experience as ‘amazing’.

He said: “It was an amazing experience from start to finish.

“Everyone was so welcoming, and it meant a lot to feel included and part of such a big matchday.

“The club and everyone involved were brilliant, and I’m really grateful to everyone who made it happen.”

Mr Alce said the support he receives from staff at Iris Hayter House, which is run by Response, makes a huge difference to his daily life.

He said: “Response is vital to me, they help me with my mobility but also reduce my feelings of loneliness because I’m surrounded by likeminded and supportive people.”

Based in Littlemore, Response supports more than 350 adults in supported accommodation across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire, including Iris Hayter House.

Oxford City’s head of media Andy Gate said: “It was fantastic to welcome Anthony to the MGroup Stadium.

“Oxford City FC is a truly community-focused club, and the work Response does to support those suffering with mental health challenges in the local community is exceptional.”

Further information about Response can be found at response.org.uk.

Villagers in Tackley, near Kidlington, have expressed their frustration at Network Rail’s scheduled works to replace the rail bridge at the station from this summer.

The works are due to last between six and eight months until spring next year, and will require the full closure of the southbound platform at the station for the duration.

Tackley Railway Station (Image: Nigel Thompson / Wikimedia Commons)

This means that no trains will be running from Tackley to Oxford for up to eight months.

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Great Western Railway has said no rail replacement bus services will be provided, instead recommending that passengers take the train in the opposite direction for one stop to Heyford and turn around, or take existing S4 Stagecoach bus to Oxford.

Villagers are saying this is ‘not good enough’.

Dr Jill Millar, a lecturer at Oxford Brookes University, depends on the train to get to work.

The temporary footbridge at Tackley Railway Station, set to be replaced from June (Image: Network Rail)

She said: “A lack of trains will add significant time and a level of uncertainty to my commute.

“I cannot understand why Network Rail is taking so long to construct a footbridge and disappointed that Great Western Railway is not making reasonable alternative arrangements.”

An open letter petition has also been launched for those affected by the services to add their signatures to.

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The letter said: “First Great Western’s passenger charter makes it clear that the rail company is responsible for rail replacement services.

“The suggestion that people use the S4 bus is wholly inadequate. It is crowded, slow, and not a rail replacement service.  

“We look forward to First Great Western arranging  suitable rail replacement services.

“We suggest that the cheapest and most convenient for all would be a bus to Heyford, timed to meet the southbound trains.”

Great Western Railway will not be providing rail replacement services (Image: Archive)

Network Rail said the responsibility to supply alternative rail services falls on Great Western Railway, and confirmed construction of the footbridge will begin in June and is expected to be finished in spring 2027, with the lifts to follow ‘later in the year’.

A spokesperson for Great Western Railway said: “When the new bridge opens, Tackley will be fully accessible for the first time in its history; a permanent improvement that will make a real and lasting difference to passengers and the wider community for years to come.

“To deliver that, there will be a temporary period of disruption from June 12, during which the Oxford-bound platform has to be closed.

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‘Dangerous’ Tackely level crossing was closed in 2020 (Image: National Rail)

“The impact on passengers has been carefully considered. Customers can travel to Heyford or Banbury and connect to Oxford at no extra cost or use the existing hourly S4 Stagecoach bus.

“To ensure no one is left out of pocket, we are temporarily reducing the cost of a single rail ticket from Oxford to Tackley so the combined cost of bus and train remains equivalent to an off-peak return fare.”

Construction of the footbridge has been a long standing project since the emergency closure of Tackley level crossing in 2020, due to dangerous trespassing on the tracks.