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Posted: 9th November 2012

Report reveals pet owners lack understanding
Figures released raise animal welfare concern

The PDSA has produced a report that shows millions of UK pets are not receiving a basic level of care because owners lack fundamental welfare knowledge.

This year's PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report revealed that 1.3 million dogs across the UK are displaying problem behaviour, 18.5 million dogs, cats and rabbits are being fed deadly diets, and 11.2 million pets are at risk of life-threatening diseases because they have not been vaccinated or neutered.

The PDSA surveyed 3,956 dog, cat and rabbit owners, 466 vets and vet nurses and 553 children earlier this year, and the figures were calculated using estimated populations of 8,308,605 dogs, 11,015,362 cats and 1,668,818 rabbits.

The report exposed that the highest levels of problem behaviour is seen in Northern Ireland and the East of England - both where over 20 per cent of dogs growl, snarl and show aggression towards people and other animals.

This is another excellent report from the PDSA
Further figures show that almost one in three dog owners have been bitten or attacked by a dog, and 65 per cent of children have been frightened or scared by a dog's behaviour.

It also revealed that 2.5 million dogs, cats and rabbits aren't registered with a vet, 4.5 million aren't vaccinated and over 4 million aren't neutered.

Furthermore, 17 per cent of owners surveyed said they would consider giving up their pet due to the associated costs if they became too much.

Nicola Martin, PDSA head of pet health and welfare, said: "The new PAW Report findings do make for difficult reading, especially considering virtually all of the issues we have investigated are entirely preventable.

"As the UK’s leading veterinary charity, we simply cannot ignore this and we want to do all we can to improve the long-term wellbeing of pets by helping owners understand what their pets really need to be healthy and happy.”

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the report, and urges vets in practice to read it.

BVA president Peter Jones said: "This is another excellent report from the PDSA offering real insight into clients’ motivations. Understanding what drives owners’ attitudes, as well as helping them to understand key health and welfare issues, should help us to clarify misconceptions in the consulting room and hopefully change behaviour at home.

“The report very clearly identifies where owners are misinformed or unaware and highlights areas that vets in practice can work on with their clients to help achieve better wellbeing for pets."

Click here to read the report.



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