The Best Pet Daily Round-up of News, Research, Opinion or Fun published about Dogs and Cats from around the world:

1. India (The Print) No kids please, we’re pet parents—why some Indian couples choose cats & dogs over babies

   In Brief: In India, a noticeable trend among urban couples, particularly those in their 30s and 40s, is the preference for adopting pets over having children. The rising costs of living, the mental and emotional demands of child-rearing, and lifestyle preferences are steering couples like Mumbai-based Rony D’costa and Dipti Kharude to opt for pet parenthood instead. This shift is influenced by various factors including the desire for less encumbered lifestyles that accommodate travel and hobbies, and a concern for environmental and ethical implications of raising children. These couples find fulfilling their nurturing instincts through caring for pets like cats, which offer companionship and emotional satisfaction without the lifelong commitment and responsibilities associated with children. This choice is also a response to the global realities of limited resources and environmental concerns, positioning pet adoption as a conscientious alternative to procreation.

2. Australia (News.com.au) NSW shelters struggling as owners surrender and abandon pets in cost-of-living and rental crisis

   In Brief: Animal shelters across New South Wales are facing severe challenges as a rising number of pets are being surrendered or abandoned. This crisis, driven by the cost-of-living increases and a shortage of pet-friendly rentals, has left shelters like RSPCA NSW and Sydney Dogs & Cats Home overwhelmed and operating at capacity. The situation has escalated to such an extent that RSPCA NSW's waitlist has grown to 1,170 animals, with a 141% increase in pet abandonments noted over the past six months. Key factors contributing to this surge include financial difficulties preventing owners from caring for their pets, the scarcity of affordable pet-friendly housing, and behavioral issues with pets that were not properly socialized during COVID lockdowns. This crisis is compounded by legislative inaction on reforms promised to facilitate pet ownership for renters, placing additional strain on shelters and impacting the well-being of both animals and their owners.

3. United Kingdom (The Guardian) Tim Dowling: our family’s fussiest eaters? That would be the pets
   In Brief: Tim Dowling humorously recounts his struggles with feeding his pets, including a cat that refuses the new food, a dog that only wants what the cat has, and a tortoise with a preference for cat food in the winter. His efforts to manage the dietary preferences of his animals illustrate the unpredictable and often comical dynamics of pet ownership. Despite the cat's disapproval of the new food and the dog's selective eating habits, the situation is further complicated when the food eventually gets consumed, but it's unclear by which pet. This amusing narrative highlights the often chaotic but endearing aspects of living with multiple pets, each with their own distinct preferences and behaviors.

4. Australia (Seven News) Posties attacked or terrorised by dogs 1420 times across Australia in past six months
   In Brief: attacks, followed by New South Wales, Western Australia, and Victoria. A significant number of these attacks occurred on the street, either with dogs escaping their properties or being inadequately controlled by their owners present during the incidents.Australia Post has responded by urging dog owners to ensure their pets are securely restrained, especially when expecting deliveries. They've highlighted that even well-tempered dogs can pose risks and have released footage and images of attacks and injuries to raise awareness. The safety manager of Australia Post emphasized the stress and danger these situations pose to their employees, who are merely attempting to perform their duties. He also suggested that those unable to secure their dogs consider alternative delivery options, like parcel lockers, to mitigate risks.

5. Australia (Vet Practice Mag) Australia’s most heroic, talented, sporting, hardworking and oldest dogs revealed

   In Brief: The inaugural "The Dog Down Under" campaign in Australia has concluded, spotlighting the nation's most exceptional dogs across various categories such as Most Talented, Everyday Heroes, Hardest Working, Sporting Legends, and Oldest Dogs. Hosted by Lara Shannon, this campaign involved a national call for entries and six weeks of interviewing and filming to determine the top 10 finalists in each category. The winners have been announced on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Lara Shannon expressed astonishment at the profound impact these dogs have on their communities, from saving lives to providing companionship and inspiring resilience among Australians. The campaign has highlighted that dogs are more than just pets; they are vital family members and community contributors. The touching and heroic stories of these top dogs will be featured in a five-part TV series titled "The Dog Down Under," set to air on Channel 10 starting September 7, 2024, celebrating the significant roles these dogs play in Australian society.