The RSPCA has labelled today (1 May) an “historic day for pet ownership” as a new law comes into force that will give more people than ever before in England the opportunity to own an animal.

Landlords can presently impose blanket bans on the keeping of pets in private rental properties - without providing a justifiable reason.

That is all changing today thanks to the Renters Rights Act - which will give all tenants in the private rented sector the legal right to request keeping a pet; with such requests unable to be unreasonably refused by landlords.

The change comes as the RSPCA faces a capacity crisis - with many of its animal centres "full to bursting". But the new legislation will mean many more families will have a chance to adopt pets - in a move which could “revolutionise” pet ownership numbers in England.

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.”

In recent weeks, the RSPCA has been working with the UK Government to highlight what the new law could mean for prospective pet owners.

And the new legislation also means many existing pet owners will no longer face the heartbreaking choice between keeping their beloved animal and getting a new roof over their heads.

David added: “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.”

Rescue dog Sweeny - based at the RSPCA's Newbrook Farm Animal Centre in Birmingham - is one of the many dogs now available to a growing number of potential adopters thanks to the Renters' Rights Act.

Mastiff Sweeny was dubbed a ‘hero’ after donating blood to save the life of a kennel mate - but now needs a loving home of his own.

Sweeny’s blood was used to give a life-saving transfusion to a lurcher, called Sox, who had to have his leg amputated. But despite these heroics, Sweeny has now been waiting for a home in RSPCA care for almost one year.

Animal Care Assistant Brittanny Baker said: “He’s been with us for 11 months now but he is constantly overlooked by potential adopters which breaks my heart. He’s a big lad weighing in at over 40kg (88lb) and I worry that this is putting people off.

“This is something we’re seeing at our centres across England and Wales, as adopters favour smaller breeds due to concerns over the cost of caring for a bigger dog.

“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.

On average it takes 41 days for a dog to find a new home - but big dogs like Sweeny can wait seven times longer than smaller breeds to find homes, highlighting the importance of making more potential homes available to these animals - thanks to this new law.

More information on the RSPCA's campaigning work can be found on the charity’s website. They also produce a ‘Good Practice Guide’ for the housing sector which is available online.