Ronn has involved himself in the litigation and evolution of Landlord and Tenant Law throughout his career.

Although many noteworthy cases involved representing tenants and prosecuting landlords, he has always maintained a balanced approach to his practice of law. He has no 'Agenda' and assisted in policy development and drafting Legislation for two opposing Governments; the NDP and the Tories. He also represented the largest landlord in Ontario, known previously at the Metro-Toronto Housing Authority.

Below there is a PDF with an excerpt from the Hansard record of the Legislature of British Columbia in 2002. It refers to the case Ronn worked on (Cassandra Towers v Rhyll..known as Fluffy the Cat) and outlines the importance of that case in changing the law in Ontario; allowing tenants to have pets in their apartments, despite the provisions of the Lease. The ripple effect was felt across Canada.

• Hansard Record of Legislature of British Columbia 2002
  
• Hansard Record - Personal submissions to Committee of the Legislature of Ontario RRRA 1990
• Supporters rally around tenants who pledge fight to keep their cat;
  Laurie Monsebraaten Toronto Star. Toronto, Ont.: Feb 4, 1989. pg. A.6
• First Fluffy, now old Mickey, are booted out;
  Alan Silverstein. Toronto Star. Toronto, Ont.: Oct 10, 1992. pg. E.1
• Rylls fought hard to keep Fluffy;
  Toronto Star.Toronto, Ont.: Oct 19, 1989. pg. A.30
• Fur flies over pets ; In the condo world, there's scarcely a more contentious issue than animal ownership;
  Valerie Hauch. Toronto Star. Toronto, Ont.: Apr 15, 2000. pg. 1

MANY PEOPLE HELPED CHANGE DISCRIMINATORY NO-PET LAWS;
Jeffrey Freedman. Toronto Star. Toronto, Ont.: Jul 1, 1990. pg. E.5
Copyright 1990 Toronto Star, All Rights Reserved.

Victory at last!

As you may have heard, tenants have finally won their battle to outlaw discriminatory no-pet laws.

Attorney-General Ian Scott introduced an amendment to the Landlord and Tenant Act that protects pet owners whose animals are not interfering with the reasonable enjoyment of other tenants.

Injunctions sought by landlords to evict pets or their owners will not be granted if the tenant can prove his pet does not interfere with the other tenants' reasonable enjoyment.

Can tenants still be fined if they sign no-pet leases and keep a pet?

'Still vague'

"A lot of this stuff (in the amendments) is vague," says Lenny Abramowicz, staff lawyer with Neighbourhood Legal Services.

But it appears tenants can no longer be fined for keeping a well- behaved pet even if they signed a lease with a no-pets clause in it.

The amendment is long overdue.

The break came after a Toronto judge told three Toronto women last May to give up their cats or their homes. Similar to the Fluffy case, none of the cats had disturbed any of the tenants in their owner's buildings.

Even the most intransigent lawmakers could see there was a gross injustice here.

In a news release Scott said, "I believe that these amendments strike a fair balance that will permit action to be taken against irresponsible pet owners, but will protect tenants whose pets are well behaved, do not cause harm and are not dangerous."

It is very important to note the new laws will protect only tenants whose animals are well behaved; dogs, cats or any other animals that make excessive noise, dirty the premises or threaten other tenants are still liable to be evicted.

The new laws take effect after the amendments receive Royal Assent; the Attorney-General's office wasn't sure when this would be, but they are hoping to get it through the House before summer recess.

The amendments will apply in appeals, which are heard after it receives Royal Assent.

Many pet owners, non-pet owners, even some homeowners and landlords put a great deal of time and effort into changing these laws.

Those who deserve special recognition are:
Dan MacDonald, chairman of People's Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). MacDonald maintained a constant letter campaign and lobbied passionately on behalf of pet-loving tenants. He is now working for reform of discriminatory pet laws in condominiums.

Liz White and Holly Penfound. These former Toronto Humane Society employees were in on the fight for pets-in-apartments from the start. Their court and media appearances kept the issue alive.

The Federation of Metro Tenants' Associations. Federation chairman, Michael Melling, articulated pet-loving tenants' cases and concerns before judges, politicians and landlords. His unrelenting drive and determination to see this injustice made right inspired powerless, defenceless tenants who might have given up the fight long ago.

Politicians pushed

Ontario New Democratic Party leader, Bob Rae, and MPPs Marion Bryden and Ed Philip have pushed for reform of pet laws at Queen's Park. They have been devoted allies of pet-loving tenants throughout the battle for equitable laws.

Marian and Richard Ryll. Rather than give up Fluffy and give in to discriminatory legislation, the couple stood their ground and set an example for those who took up the cause for pet owners.

Ronn Jefferies and Flemington Community Legal Services. Flemington staff lawyer Jefferies did an admirable job of defending the Rylls and Fluffy. Although the Rylls were forced out of their home, Jefferies' impassioned defence ignited the fire and determination that characterized the fight for fair pet laws.

Congratulations and gratitude is owed to everyone who gave of themselves emotionally and financially; who wrote letters, made phone calls and protested at rallies; who refused to accept an obvious injustice, whether they were the victims or just sympathized with those who lost their companion animals or their homes.