PDSA Research Reveals Pet Obesity, Illness and Aggression Are Major Issues - Bolton Business Owner Calls for Reform and Animal Welfare Education

Bolton, Lancashire (PRWEB) November 12, 2012

Research published by the Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals has claimed that obesity, illness and aggression will cause major issues amongst the countrys pet population in the future if they are not remedied quickly.

The charity revealed that 1.3 million dogs displayed problem behaviour with 30% of owners being attacked or bitten by their pet. 51% of owners also reported that they knew someone who had been bitten or attacked by a dog. A separate survey of children reported that 65% had been scared or frightened by a dog displaying problem behaviour.

This PDSA research provides some worrying statistics about pet owners, Stephen Ward is the owner of Bolton-based Heights Farm Premium Pet Foods which supplies wheat free dog food to pets around the country. Although there are plenty of owners who take full responsibility and care of their pet, there is an alarming amount that need to reassess their own suitability for animal ownership.

The PDSA report declared that the primary cause of anti-social behaviour was due to the dogs not receiving an adequate level of obedience training and socialisation skills at a young age. Dog owners who fail to obedience-train and socialise their pets at a young age are causing frightening levels of problem behaviour. The PDSA also recommends that schools should teach children how to be good owners after the research highlighted fundamental gaps in their knowledge about animal welfare.

The research also revealed that 33% of pet owners aged 18-24 would consider re-homing their pet if the financial aspect became too much of a burden and 20% said the cost of owning an animal was far greater than what theyd first anticipated.

Potential owners need to realise that a pet is not a fashion accessory or a status symbol and it is an expensive, time consuming responsibility to take on, says wheat free dog food supplier, Stephen Ward. Owning a pet consists of a lot more than buying an animal and a few tins of food.

75% of pet owners polled estimate that owning an average dog would cost them less than

PDSA Research Reveals Pet Obesity, Illness and Aggression Are Major Issues - Bolton Business Owner Calls for Reform and Animal Welfare Education