Part 6 - Companion animals General health and welfare issues Responsible ownership of dogs and cats and the human–animal bond Policy Dog and cat ownership is an integral part of the human- animal bond and plays an important and positive role in the health and wellbeing of the community1. Benefits can include companionship, health and social improvements and assistance for people with special needs. It is essential that the physical, social and welfare requirements of the animal are considered before they are acquired, not just the needs and wants of the owners. This commitment and duty of care remains throughout the life of the animal2. Background Responsible ownership involves a duty to care for the health and welfare of the animal and to consider the rest of the community and to comply with appropriate legislation3. Registration and permanent identification of all dogs and cats should be compulsory, but can only be effective if there is vigorous enforcement by local government authorities. Comprehensive and harmonised companion animal legislation between states and territories is desirable. The human–animal bond needs to be strengthened so that people can obtain the maximum enjoyment, amenity and health benefits from their animals with full consideration of the welfare and the needs of the wider community. animal’s In Australia, individuals and society as a whole derive many benefits from interacting with animals as companions, and uniform legislation should be promoted for example to permit pets in flats, pets on public transport and pets in restaurants However, the number of companion animals greatly exceeds the number of responsible people prepared to offer
Part 6 - Companion animals General health and welfare issues Responsible ownership of dogs and cats and the human–animal bond Policy Dog and cat ownership is an integral part of the human- animal bond and plays an important and positive role in the health and wellbeing of the community1. Benefits can include companionship, health and social improvements and assistance for people with special needs. It is essential that the physical, social and welfare requirements of the animal are considered before they are acquired, not just the needs and wants of the owners. This commitment and duty of care remains throughout the life of the animal2. Background Responsible ownership involves a duty to care for the health and welfare of the animal and to consider the rest of the community and to comply with appropriate legislation3. Registration and permanent identification of all dogs and cats should be compulsory, but can only be effective if there is vigorous enforcement by local government authorities. Comprehensive and harmonised companion animal legislation between states and territories is desirable. The human–animal bond needs to be strengthened so that people can obtain the maximum enjoyment, amenity and health benefits from their animals with full consideration of the animal’s welfare and the needs of the wider community. In Australia, individuals and society as a whole derive many benefits from interacting with animals as companions, and uniform legislation should be promoted for example to permit pets in flats, pets on public transport and pets in restaurants However, the number of companion animals greatly exceeds the number of responsible people prepared to offer
Policy%20Compendium%20January%202016_0.docx