Lumen Winter 2023 - Flipbook - Page 33
“Keeping companion
animals is one of the
greatest privileges we
have. But it’s not
one we should ever
take for granted.”
Climate change is already affecting our
companion animals
Our changing climate is already negatively
affecting our dogs and cats. With the
recent spate of warmer and wetter weather,
especially on the east coast, the areas your
dog or cat can pick up tick-borne diseases
greatly expanded. A dramatic increase in
cases of tick paralysis this summer has led
to a critical shortage of anti-tick venom
for dogs and cats. South Australia is not
currently home to the ticks that cause tick
paralysis, but with continued climate change
we might be in the future.
Lastly, please don’t contribute to loss of
biodiversity by keeping wildlife as pets.
Loss of habitat through land clearing and
feral pests is already having dire impacts on
endangered species. Humans don’t need to
compound this by taking wildlife from the
wild for their own pleasure. Most of these
species don’t survive well in human care
anyway.
To protect this privilege in the future we
must be mindful of the impact of our
companion animals on resource use and
a sustainable natural environment.
I would love my grandchildren to know the
deep pleasure of living with a much-loved
dog. You might be able to tell your secrets
to a robot (let’s hope they’re not recording
them) and they may be easier to train, but
they will never beat a dog for cuddling up
with on the sofa or going for a walk together.
Susan Hazel is Associate Professor at the
School of Animal and Veterinary Science,
Roseworthy campus.
Keeping companion animals is one of the
greatest privileges we have. But it’s not one
we should ever take for granted.
Susan, Ziggy and Rosie
LUMEN – WINTER 2023 33
