Who Are the Good Pet Owners? | ZENOAQ [Nippon Zenyaku Kogyo Co., Ltd.]

Very recently, the Japanese Coalition for Animal Welfare (JCAW) sponsored a symposium entitled "Do Good Pet Owners Abuse Their Animals?" This somewhat provocative title was an attempt at making pet owners throughout the country reflect upon some of the ways in which they may have been making life harder for their beloved pets. One of the main issues that came up was that of dog and cat obesity. Needless to say starving an animal is outright abuse and no one would dispute that fact.

However when it comes to over-feeding a pet animal, it is surprising to see so many "good" pet owners who allow their animals to enjoy excessive amounts of food. There is also the problem of people who are so "nice " to their animals that they would share their doughnuts and steak with them. It seems as though many people also find it rather "cute" or "charming" when their dog or cat is a little chubby. But as we all know obesity can cause a multitude of problems and thus in many ways, allowing, or even helping your dog or cat become overweight can indeed be considered a form of animal abuse. Japan is seeing an increase in the number of pampered indoor pets and obesity is now one of the main problems that veterinarians must deal with.

Another issue that was brought up during the symposium may be one that is unique to Japan. Japan probably has the largest number of dog owners who regularly "dress-up" their pooches. In pet stores throughout the country there are racks and racks of dresses, sweaters, coat, hats, etc. for dogs of all sizes. There are even Kimonos (traditional Japanese costume) and designer brand clothes. The bulk of the "clothes maniacs" seem to be the owners of smaller breeds. Walking through a fashionable neighborhood in Japan one is guaranteed to meet a sweatered miniature dachshund, a frilly toy poodle and a colorful Chihuahua. During the JCAW symposium experts such as veterinarians and animal welfare officers warned against excessive clothing for dogs.

"Animals have a protective layer of fur on their bodies. It is ludicrous to think that they need another layer of wool, silk, what have you, to protect themselves from the elements, except under very special circumstances" said one veterinarian. The experts pointed out that clothing can over-heat dogs, restrict their freedom of movement, and in general cause discomfort for many of them. Thus here again seemingly good owners may indeed be abusing their pets.

The issue of obesity, or the cute chubby pet, and that of dressing up your animals is directly related to the issue of owners emphasizing the "cute, cuddly" factor rather than focusing on the needs of their animals as living beings. Sharing a life together and sharing a life style are 2 different things.

"Every Sunday Max (dog) and I get dressed in our Polo sweaters and go out to the mall to get a bagel." Is that really "cool"? Many Japanese owners seem to think so. The subtitle for the JCAW symposium was "Is Your Life With Your Pet a Part of Your Fashion?"

Objective

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