UQ researchers address unwanted pet problem

The University of Queensland’s Centre for Companion Animal Health (CCAH) brought together the collective brainpower of some of Australia’s and New Zealand’s brightest animal lovers in an attempt to gain a better understanding of the problem of unwanted pets.

Minds from the University, government departments, local authorities, animal welfare agencies, researchers, veterinary practitioners, breeder organisations and pet shop owners were combined at the October 24 workshop to identify and prioritise key research needs which will help to decrease the number of unwanted pets.

According to Director of CCAH Professor Jacquie Rand, the centre already focuses much of its research attention on these areas but needs input from the industry and general public to ensure research remains targeted to areas causing most concern.

It is estimated more than 200,000 unwanted pets are euthanised each year in Australia – that is 3 percent of the total number of pets.

The costs to councils, government agencies, shelters and the community are enormous, both financially and in terms of the distress caused to those involved, in the destruction of what are mostly healthy animals.

“The ultimate goal of the centre’s research is to decrease the numbers of unwanted pets who are euthanised by 50 percent in the next five years."

“The discussion at the brainstorming day revolved around issues such as problematic animal behaviour, causes of relinquishment, owner screening and matching animals to people, owner education, animal identification and desexing. We were able to identify and prioritise a number of research questions and our next task is to identify possible sources of funding to address these questions.”

“The provision of evidence, based on high quality research, will allow legislators and others in the community to make informed decisions to stem this tide of unwanted animals.”

The Centre for Companion Animal Health was established at UQ in 2002 and operates as a non-profit organisation.

It is a world-class research centre, leading the development of scientific and social advances in companion animal health and welfare.

Under the leadership of Professor Jacquie Rand, a team of postgraduate students conducts studies to improve the health of companion animals; enrich the lives of aged, disadvantaged and disabled people by understanding and promoting the many benefits of a human-animal bond; and prevent unwanted and problem pets through improved socialisation, re-training, re-homing, neutering and broad community education.

Media inquiries: Susanne Schick - UQ Gatton Campus (07 5460 1229, 0409 265 587)

Further information/comment: Contact Deirdre McLaughlin (07 3365 4717, 0413 118 792)