News Archive:
Australia's pet population
A new census project hopes to cast light on Australia's
pet population by grilling animal owners on cat and
dog obesity, microchipping and the cost of living.
Insurance company Petplan has commissioned the country's first comprehensive census in an effort to understand the relationship between animals and humans.
The results will include data on health, finance, social relations and domestic life.
Petplan managing director Doug Ford said much of what we knew about animals was based on anecdotal evidence.
He hopes the census results provide the community with more concrete data on our pet population.
''No one has done any study in how Australians relate to their pets,'' he said.
''This will help councils plan for the future and a number of local governments from across Australia have requested the information be provided to them.''
The census attempts to gauge community perceptions of animals with behavioral issues, and looks at changing attitudes towards pets.
''The welfare of animals is considered more than ever. We had a client who spent $32,000 trying to save his dog's life even though our maximum insurance claim is $20,000.''
Other interesting questions in the census include ''Have you ever mixed up your pets name with your partners/children's names?'' and ''What is the weirdest human food that you have given to your dog/cat as a 'treat'?''
Mr Ford said the idea for the census came from the insurance company's British parent company, which collected valuable information about 10,000 pets.
The British census revealed that 32 per cent of owners found it easier to talk to their pet than the opposite sex.
Mr Ford expects more than 10,000 people to take part in the Australian project, which runs until November. For more information, visit petcensus.com.au
Australia's dog population decreasing
High-density living, frequent travel and long working hours have come at a cost to our furry friends.
In the past decade Australia's dog population has decreased by at least 14per cent and its cat population has dropped by about 10 per cent.
This steady decline in pet ownership has brought the $6.02billion industry to its knees and next month town planners, architects, vets and policymakers from across the country will travel to Sydney to discuss a course of action.
The inaugural Putting Pets Back Into Our Lives think-tank event is being organised by the Australian Companion Animal Council, and president Kersti Seksel expects about 150 people to attend.
''The number of owned pets is decreasing and this is of great concern,'' she said. ''Animals improve the mental and physical health of people and they contribute to the economy.''
Dr Seksel said urban developments, rigid legislation and tricky landlords were responsible for declining pet numbers.
''We are living more and more in closely confined areas and some new developments don't allow pets. Renting with pets is difficult, as is moving into an aged-care facility with a pet. It can be traumatic for elderly people to be told they have to give their pets up.''
She said people needed to change their perception about living in apartments with pets.
''There's a mindset that if you move into an apartment you can't have a pet. But cats are really good urban pets and dogs can also work well in apartments as long as they are walked regularly.'' Pets are big business and in the ACT alone there are 196 businesses devoted to household animals. These include everything from catteries, kennels and breeders to pet cemeteries. There are more than 1.8 million cats and dogs living in homes in the ACT and NSW.
Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association president David Neck said the veterinary industry had evolved over the past decade to ensure declining pet numbers didn't affect business.
''I do a lot less fire brigade work, I only saw one dog with a broken leg last year. We now do preventative health, dental care has skyrocketed. That will protect the industry for a long time. There are more clients requesting blood screenings and even genetic testing among dogs.''
He said lifestyle changes were responsible for the drop in pet ownership.
''People don't want to feel tied down to the one place, and don't stay in one job for a long time. Our working hours are changing. How many people work from 9 to 5 and then walk their dog at 5.30? It's really unfortunate because study after study shows how important pets are for our physical health.''
Emma Davey is bucking the trend and recently became the proud owner of Occa, a 13-week-old blue heeler with tan, black and grey markings.
The 20-year-old student lives in a relatively small apartment in Curtin but ensures she walks her energetic puppy twice a day.
''You have to be sure you give it the attention, care and training he needs. I like the added responsibility, it's made our family grow, '' she said.
