Pet ownership and Asian multiculturalism

Jeni Hood

Abstract

Australian life reflslects the customs, religions, food and fashions of the many different nationalities and ethnic groups which have migrated to Australia since colonisation plus htose of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Pet ownership is one area where cultural and religious differences may influence the choice of pets owned, the purpose for which they may be kept and influence how the pets are kept and cared for.

Little information appears to be available on this issue and hopefully this paper will encourage more detailed studies which would provide hard data from which firm conclusions could be drawn.

About the author

Dr Jeni Hood BSc (Hons) BVMS

Murdoch University

South Street

Murdoch WA 6150

email: jhood@central.murdoch.edu.au

Ph: 08 9360 6170

Fax 08 9360 6501

Jeni graduated from Murdoch University in 1984 and has worked in small animal practice, tutored and lectured in the Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at Murdoch University in a wide range of areas including public health and bioethics and the role of animsl in society. She was awarded a research honours for her thesis 'Hereditary Nephritis in the Bull Terrier' in 1989 and is currently completing her PhD on 'Hereditary Nephritis in the Bull Terrier: A model for Alport Syndrome in Humans'. Jeni is presently employed as the Animal Welfare Officer at Murdoch University and has a passionate interest in ethics, welfare attitudes to pet ownership. She continues to teach part time in the Division of Veterinary and Bio Medical Sciences and also works as a freelance journalist.

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