Environmental cost for pets

In recent years, we frequently see people with dogs or cats in many developed countries. In a supermarket, a line of cupboards is occupied by pet foods. Pets are now indispensable companions for many people.

It means that pets should be involved in the environmental circle of our community. Thus, each of them is counted they as a member of the local population, despite the fact that they do not pay the tax.

There is large variation of pet foods. There are many veterinarians. Many professionals deal with the funeral of pets. Pet lovers often consider a set of insurance for pets.

And also, pet food is not free, different from in the past when we gave leftover to the pets. "Doggy bag" is now never used as it means.

The cost is not limited to the issue of money. Producing food consumes lots of resources. Needless to say, adequate food providing is a critical issue, especially in developing countries.

The Washington Post: The hidden environmental costs of dog and cat food

In addition, food processing does damage to the environment to some extent. A total of 64 millions tons of greenhouse gases is created annually for pet food production, according to researchers.

Pros One: Environmental impacts of food consumption by dogs and cats

I have never considered the impact of pet industry on the environment. We should be aware of the fact that our pretty companions bring us both happiness and burdens.

In some countries such as Germany, Swiss, and Australia, dog keepers have to pay the tax following the number of their pets. In Japan, there are very few regulations about pets. Before the WWII, however, pet tax had also been adopted in Japan. In the near future, an argument will be raised again.