The friend of a homeless man who killed himself after being separated from his pets is calling for vulnerable people to be allowed to keep their animals in state accommodation.

John Chadwick, 52, took a lethal cocktail of prescription drugs and alcohol at a bed and breakfast on March 16 after he was not allowed to take his Jack Russell crosses Theo and Tinkerbell and cat Gizmo into his new flat in Square Hill, Maidstone.

Now close friend Dee Bonnet has launched a petition addressed to Helen Grant MP asking for pets to be introduced as support systems for vulnerable people.

Ms Bonnet has already amassed nearly 700 signatures. She said: “Pets are known to provide therapeutic benefits. Let’s petition for a change to current housing requirements and help those deemed vulnerable or alone.

“Pets assist with the treatment of health, depression, isolation and addiction and are invaluable companions for the homeless.”

In June an inquest heard that 10 days before he died, Mr Chadwick was evicted from his home of four years and put into a bed and breakfast in Maidstone’s Chamberlain Avenue after the landlord decided to sell the property.

Assistant coroner Ian Wade concluded the loss of his animals was a key factor in Mr Chadwick’s suicide.

To view the petition, click here.