On Saturday, 03 August 2013, the Globe and Mail published a article entitled 'The Pet Project'. Thanks to Globe and Mail staff (John Allemang, Alanna Mitchell, Andrew Westoll, and Hannah Sung) a picture of pets within our culture emerges. With information from the PetLynx, National Urban Animal Report and other sources, these articles show a society that now spends more money on pets than children.Anthropomorphism is presented in a thought provoking manner together with other highlights, observations and problems. While the media attention is beneficial to the conversations within the Urban Animal Industry across North America, one wonders what sentiment the articles will generate from both the 'pro' and 'anti' pet groups who live in the modern urban municipality.
The deaths of two young boys in New Brunswick over the weekend will apply pressure to the conversations regarding exotic and 'wild' pets. However, this incident provides further evidence that overly simplistic solutions and knee jerk responses may not create or sustain healthy communities for pets and people. The Urban Animal Industry, needs to provide clear messages for legislators and urban planners while it strives to be less judgemental and more helpful toward the pet owners it serves.
All in, the Globe and Mail article illuminates the human animal bond. It is a timely and valuable contribution to the Urban Animal conversations. Once again the importance of the 2013 Urban Animal Summit has been underscored. Thought leaders of the Urban Animal industry can initiate and scale the innovation and strategies which address issues of a culture obsessed with pets. Perhaps these actions will develop a positive experience for the entire community.
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