New figures indicate pets are good for Government
The Pet Advisory Committee (PAC) has interpreted the Government’s figures and has estimated that pet lovers spent almost £6 billion in 2010 and contributed more than £2 billion a year in taxes.
As the autumn statement approaches, the benefits of pet ownership also extend to the Chancellor. Not only do the figures indicate pet owners contribute a large amount to taxes, independent studies also indicate that health benefits of pet ownership effectively save the NHS as much as £1.5 billion a year.
Figures show that throughout 2010, owners in the EU spent €29 billion on their pets which equates to €12 billion in tax revenues. Social scientists studying the health benefits of pet ownership in Germany estimated savings of €5.5 billion annually.
The PAC points out that not everything can be reduced to hard cash as chair Tracey Crouch MP says ‘What this research shows is the positive contribution pets and their owners make to the economy and towards a healthy society. While the contribution to the economy is easier to identify, the companionship, interaction and exercise pets can give to their owners, in particular the elderly, and the effect this has on their well-being is of equal worth to individuals and society as a whole”.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
