Author Description

Pets are more popular now than ever before, however the practice of keeping animal companions raises a number of problems both for owners and for society in general. This report provides a clear and unbiased view of the role of companion animals in Britain today. It explores the history of keeping pets, their numbers, legal status, welfare, economic impact, social value, and unique problems. The study raises a number of ethical issues, and where appropriate makes recommendations for future policy. The book represents a concise, definitive and up-to-date account of a subject which, though of wide significance, has often been approached either subjectively or from an ill-informed point of view.