The shift towards housing estates becoming pet-friendly instead of posting “no pets allowed” signs everywhere is a welcome change of attitude. It was a long time in coming, but better late than never. (“ Developers switch to pet-friendly properties ”, April 20). Unfortunately, the older estates cannot participate in this new revolutionary way of thinking, being hamstrung by old rules and regulations that belong to a less enlightened era. The benefits of having a furry companion are increasingly being recognised, and letting them accompany their owners while out shopping is how it should be in a civilised society. This is a far cry from the possibility of being dragged to court by a homeowners’ committee because of a no-dogs rule and being forced to remove a much-loved pet. Such cruelty belongs to a less-educated past and hopefully the recognition that all creatures are sentient and that pets deserve to be treated as part of the family will rapidly take root. Well done, Sun Hung Kai Properties, for your humane approach. It is a slap in the face for those who have an intense aversion to furry animals, but this is true progress and Hong Kong will become a far better place because of it. Joan Miyaoka, Sha Tin
