NATIONAL PEOPLE & PETS SURVEY

Foreword

The URBAN ANIMAL MANAGEMENT COALITION met for the first time in September 1993.

The Coalition draws its representatives from the major institutional interests concerned with the well-being, health and safety of People & Pets-the scientific community, animal welfare agencies, and the pet industry.

The objectives of the Urban Animal Management Coalition are:

1. To evaluate comprehensively the roles and position of companion animals in Australian society, and

2. To develop and promote People & Pet policies and practices that will:

• advance the well-being of the carer and the pet,
• facilitate responsible pet ownership, and
• satisfy the requirements of urban society for healthy, orderly and safe living.

This NATIONAL PEOPLE & PETS SURVEY is the group's first major project. The research builds on findings from the seminal Australian study, PETS AS A SOCIAL PHENOMENON, conducted 20 years ago.

This innovative work, summarised in this report, was made possible by the financial contributions of the many and varied interested groups listed in the Annex. The Coalition gratefully acknowledges their welcome support.

The next phase in the Coalition's strategic planning process for People & Pets is already in progress. A preliminary report on this phase will be released shortly.

Robert Kibble
Chairman
Urban Animal Management Coalition