Pet Access and Urban Animal Management : Quality of Life and Public Amenity

K.M. McQuillan

Abstract

The benefits derived from pet ownership have been researched extensively since the 1970's. There is no doubt that a close relationship with companion animals is of benefit to the emotional and psychological development of children, provides much needed companionship and support to the elderly, assists in the recovery rate of patients suffering from serious illness and decreases the rate of minor illness, and may substantially reduce the risk of heart disease. Pets-as-therapy programs around the world have highlighted the benefits of assistance dogs, horse riding for sufferers of cerebral palsy and other disabilities, and the use of companion animals with mentally disturbed children and adolescents. With such strong support for the benefits of pets it could be suggested that pet ownership should in fact be actively encouraged by governments and health authorities, and it is not inconceivable that pets may be prescribed for the sick or disturbed in the future.

However the increased pressures of urban consolidation, high stress lifestyles and a lack of understanding of the behaviour of companion animals is responsible for an increase in the problems associated with the care and management of companion animals.

In this paper I will present the finding of a research project commissioned by the Petcare Information and Advisory Service and conducted by CONTEXT Pty Ltd and Environment and Technology Policy Unit of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. This project looked at the perceived problems associated with pet management in urban areas and solutions to these problems. From this study it is apparent that a simple solution is not possible. More responsible pet ownership can only be achieved through a combination of community education, increased awareness of the benefits of pets and the rights of pet owners and non-pet owners, more attention to development and planning to include provisions for pets, and suitable punitive measures for those who deviate from acceptable standards of animal treatment.

About the author

K.M. McQuillan BVSc GDipEd
Petcare Information and Advisory Service
43 Walsh Street
West Melbourne 3003
VICTORIA
AUSTRALIA
Phone (03)9329 5438
Fax (03)9329 0393

A Brisbane girl, Kathy graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Queensland in 1982. Kathy has undertaken a variety of mixed practice positions in central Queensland, New South Wales and South Gippsland. She was a lecturer/instructor at Emerald Pastoral and Agricultural College specialising in genetics, microbiology, horse health and nutrition. Following the completion of her Graduate Diploma in Education from the Gippsland Institute of Advanced Education, Kathy spent 18 months with the Victorian Ministry of Education where she was involved in the implementation of new programs and policies. In 1990 she joined the Petcare Information and Advisory Service as the National Manager. Petcare is a non-commercial, community service set up to promote responsible pet ownership and funded by Uncle Ben's of Australia. Her work at Petcare has included the promotion of pet education programs for children and adults and coordinating original research in the area of urban animal management and the human-companion animal bond. She is well known for her media appearances and writing for popular magazines.

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