LANCASTER pensioners may soon be able to enjoy the company of their four legged friends even while living in sheltered accommodation.

And the city council could face some wuff justice if they don't ease up strict rules on pet ownership in its properties.

Councillors will consider on Tuesday whether to ease up rules barring dogs and cats from sheltered housing complexes which have communal entrances.

But, with a growing recognition of the value of pets as companions for elderly people as well as new legislation which could leave the council in the dog house, councillors have been recommended to let the dogs and cats in.

Under current rules, most people living in council housing must request in permission in writing to keep a pet, which must be kept under control and not cause a nuisance to other tenants.

But certain types of accommodation -- including sheltered housing -- are automatically deemed not to be suitable for pets.

In fact, the current rules could see blind people barred from living in sheltered housing if they rely on a guide dog.

And, under new human rights laws which come into force in October, the rule could be challenged in court.

The council will now apply rules recommended by pets and housing group PATHWAY, which encourage councils to welcome animals.

The change has been backed by a meeting of the district-wide Tenants' Forum, who also called for the general policy on pets to be looked at again.