PDSA Animal Wellbeing Report 2010

A survey of over 11,000 individuals in the United Kingdom who live with companion animals or work in the veterinary field reveals the state of companion animal welfare in the U.K. This study measured animal wellbeing for the three most popular species (cats, dogs and rabbits) on a score of 0-100 on five separate measures: 1) a suitable environment, 2) an appropriate diet, 3) the ability to express normal behavior, 4) having companionship needs met, and 5) health.

Report Summary:

“What is clear is that the UK is a nation of animal lovers; but the affection owners have for their companion animals can be misguided, which is often to the detriment of a pet’s wellbeing. A lack of education and awareness of the health and welfare needs of pets is at the heart of the problem. The Companion Animal Welfare Surveillance Report published by the Companion Animal Welfare Council (CAWC) in May 2008 concluded that trying to develop a way of assessing and monitoring companion animal welfare ‘is likely to help very greatly in improving companion animal welfare’. The PAW Report is a first step towards addressing this need.”
“One of the most worrying statistics within this Report is the low awareness owners have of the five basic and guiding principles designed to safeguard the wellbeing of pets as set out in the Animal Welfare Act.”

Select findings:

• DOGS: In the UK there are an estimated 8,309,000 dogs. Dogs fare better than cats or rabbits in terms of having their environmental, health, and diet needs met.
• CATS: In the UK there are an estimated 11,916,000 cats. Cats fare better than dogs or rabbits in terms of having their behavioral and companionship needs met.
• RABBITS: In the UK there are an estimated 1,669,000 rabbits. Rabbits are the least likely to have their needs met. They are especially mistreated in terms of having suitable companionship, as 1.1 million rabbits (67%) in the U.K. live alone when they need companionship of their own species.