As it now stands, landlords may choose not to allow animals in rental properties. But tenants with pets in HUD housing complexes are permitted pets. This, a HUD spokesman explained, is because New Jersey housing authorities and managers of privately owned HUD-assisted developments for seniors or handicapped people have been able to effectively implement federal regulations regarding pets within federal guidelines.

Some back-up We spoke to Lou Bassano, a Republican who served in the Assembly and Senate, about a bill he sponsored in 1998 to enable tenants to have pets. A major stumbling block was landlord concern about irresponsible pet owners who fail to pick up after their pets or whose dogs barked incessantly or damaged property.

"It's long overdue," said Bassano, who fought for passage of his bill before leaving the Legislature. "Landlords seemed to believe that owners wouldn't clean up after pets. I'm convinced if tenants are allowed to have an animal, 99.9 percent of them will be responsible. I just don't see it being a major problem."

With the passage of this bill, shelters and rescue groups would see fewer pets relinquished. "It's heartbreaking to have to choose between a beloved pet and a place to live," said Kelly Vanasse, speaking for St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Madison. "We see people having to make this choice all the time. Pet-friendly housing would be so beneficial for pet owners and would-be pet owners in New Jersey."

Caraballo and Cohen would like to see action on this legislation before the close of the current session in June. With the Legislature on budget break until May, this is a good time to catch legislators in their home offices. Make letters brief in support of A2570. To find your state senator and two Assembly members, go online at www.njleg.state.nj.us or call your town clerk to ask who represents you in the Legislature. Every letter counts.