Pet Ownership

The vast majority of feral cat caregivers, in the order of 80%, are women who have a unique voice that needs to be heard in the public policy debate on legal protections for animals. In particular, the public needs to know that their definition of protection is rooted in sterilization, not "humane" killing; and, moreover, that they are dedicated to protecting individual animals, and do so at great personal cost. That women have long been marginalized is a historic fact, and that the legal remedies have been incomplete is a present reality.

This report summarizes results from Wave 1 of the Humane Research Council's "Animal Tracker" survey of U.S. adults regarding their attitudes and behavior toward animals. This inaugural survey of 16 core questions shows strong support for the protection of all animals. The strength of that support varies by situation and species, however, and actual behavior does not always reflect the favorable attitudes identified.

Can a single female cat and her offspring really produce 420,000 cats over just seven years? This article examines the validity and origin of this commonly cited statistic, concluding that this statistic is likely an urban myth. A lower estimate is provided and substantiated by research by biologist Michael Stoskopf, who documented six kittens per year with a 75% kitten mortality.

Hosted by the Center for Genetics and Society, this compilation presents a summary of public opinion about pet and animal cloning from various sources including Gallup, Time/CNN, FOX News, etc. Overall, a majority of the U.S. public opposes the cloning of companion animals.

This report from the American Anti-Vivisection Society is based on interviews with 1,008 adults, with results showing that the majority of Americans are opposed to the cloning of companion animals and the sale of genetically engineered animals as pets.

A national survey of pet owners conducted by PetSmart, Inc. shows that dogs and cats are extremely important to their owners, directly impacting their happiness as a member of the family.

A series of interviews in Japan examined the relationships between people and animals (including the nature and length of relationship). The results may help to understand the ideas that form attitudes towards different animals in varying circumstances and for different species.

This study was sponsored by the American Kennel Club and focuses on the behavior, attitudes, and purchasing habits of dog owners. The study shows that dog ownership heavily influences both the lifestyle and purchasing habits of people.