Animal owners

THE latest research into pet ownership, conducted with about 1000 Australians by Roy Morgan Research, has shown that pet owners are more aware of their responsibilities to the environment than they were a decade ago.
“Pet ownership brings many benefits to owners and the communities they and their pets are part of, but it is vital that the responsibilities of being a pet owner are understood and acted on,” said Dr Tim Adams from Petcare Information and Advisory Service. “The main environmental issues associated with pet ownership are keeping cats in at night and cleaning up after dogs.”
Dr Kersti Seksel, president of the Australian Companion Animal Council, said her experience supported the findings.
“There are many people who love their pets and want to do the right thing by the environment,” she said.
“Keeping cats inside at night and cleaning up after your dog are important ways to help protect the environment. “A number of companies are promoting alternatives to plastic bags for picking up after your dog, but biodegradable plastic bags are also an option.”
Dr Seksel said that the most important aspect of caring for pets and the environment was that pet owners take responsibility for doing the right thing.