What’s Making Global Cat and Dog News Today?
The Best Pet Daily Round-up of News, Research, Opinion or Fun published about Dogs and Cats from around the world:
China (South China Morning Post) China’s pet economy being driven by elderly, singles dreaming of having cats and dogs
In Brief: China's pet economy is thriving and is projected to reach 811.4 billion yuan (US$112 billion) by 2025, despite economic challenges. The growth is significantly driven by the country's elderly and single populations, who increasingly view pets as companions and family members. This demographic shift has led to increased spending on pets for food, toys, and specialized services like pet psychological consultations and even traditional Chinese medicine for animals. Younger generations, particularly in urban areas, are also contributing to the trend, treating pets lavishly and integrating them deeply into their lives. The pet industry's expansion includes the rise of domestic pet product brands, indicating a strong preference among Chinese consumers for local options.
United States (News3LasVegas) Genetic test could eradicate a type of inherited blindness in dogs
In Brief: A rescue dog named Shola, an English shepherd who lost her sight due to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), has inspired researchers to develop a genetic test that could potentially eradicate this type of inherited blindness in her breed. The University of Cambridge's Katherine Stanbury and her team identified a new genetic variant responsible for PRA, which affects over 100 dog breeds. The condition leads to the deterioration of light-sensitive cells in the eyes and is characterized by symptoms that often do not appear until later in the dogs' lives, after they have possibly reproduced.
The newly developed DNA test costs £48 and can determine whether dogs have zero, one, or two copies of the genetic variant, helping breeders make informed decisions. By identifying carriers (dogs with one copy of the variant), breeders can plan to breed them with dogs that are clear of the variant, maintaining genetic diversity while preventing the disease's spread. The test also reassured the owners of Shola's offspring, confirming they would not develop PRA. These offspring are now actively serving as rescue and therapy dogs, their capabilities unhindered by the risk of PRA.
United Kingdom (RSPCA) Kindness Index Report 2024
In Brief: The third section of the 2024 Animal Kindness Index focuses on consumer behavior toward animal welfare in the UK. It reveals a modest increase in the number of people buying higher welfare animal products, with 69% of respondents in 2024 indicating they sometimes or always opt for these options, slightly up from 67% in 2023. This change is primarily driven by those who are now 'sometimes' choosing higher welfare goods, suggesting a gradual shift in consumer habits.
Despite this positive trend, challenges remain, as the survey also shows that many consumers still find it complex to consistently make ethical food choices, particularly younger children. As they get older, their dietary preferences show slight shifts towards less meat and fish consumption.
Moreover, the data underscores a persistent issue: while a significant number of people acknowledge the sentience of animals like chickens, intensive farming practices that cause widespread animal suffering continue. This dissonance points to a gap between belief and action, highlighting the need for continued education and advocacy to align consumer behavior with animal welfare values more effectively.
South Korea (Korea Times) Pet, travel insurance comparison services launched, key industry players absent
In Brief: Kakao Pay and Naver Pay have recently launched new services for comparing and recommending travel and pet insurance products, respectively. Despite their innovative approach, the effectiveness of these services is being questioned due to the absence of key industry players. For the travel insurance service offered by Naver Pay, major companies like Kakao Pay Insurance, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance, and KB Insurance did not participate, largely due to disputes over high commission rates demanded by Naver Pay, which could potentially lead to increased insurance premiums for consumers.
Similarly, Kakao Pay's pet insurance service launched without the inclusion of top players like Meritz Fire & Marine Insurance and DB Insurance, although these companies have expressed intentions to join after updating their products to be more competitive. The absence of these major insurers is significant because it limits consumer choice and could diminish the impact of these platforms in stirring market growth.
Industry officials suggest that the current similarity in coverage across available pet insurance products means that the new comparison services may not offer substantial value to consumers. This situation reflects broader challenges faced by digital platform operators in attracting major insurers to participate in their comparison services, impacting the Financial Services Commission's efforts to boost the local insurance market through such digital initiatives.
United Kingdom (Mirror) Dog breeds on the brink of 'extinction' as once-popular pooch gets snubbed by Brits
In Brief: The popularity of certain dog breeds in the UK has been shifting, and some breeds once beloved are now facing potential extinction. The Kennel Club, monitoring dog breed numbers since 2004, notes a significant decline in some breeds. Rough Collies, once prominent and recognized through the "Lassie" TV series, have seen their numbers plummet from over 8,000 annual puppy registrations in 1979 to fewer than 500 last year. This decline might soon place them on the Kennel Club's At Watch list, indicating breeds with only 300 to 450 registrations per year.
Other breeds, like the Scottish Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier, have also seen declines in popularity. The Scottish Terrier, once a national favorite and a mascot for brands like Walkers Shortbread and Radley London, and the Wire Fox Terrier, known from the TinTin comics and favored by historical figures like King Edward VII and Queen Victoria, are both facing similar fates.
Conversely, Yorkshire Terriers are experiencing a resurgence in popularity after a decline at the end of the last decade. The Kennel Club's lists, including the At Watch and the Vulnerable Native Breeds, aim to raise awareness and encourage preservation efforts for these declining breeds.
