A Good life for all horses – national horse day

A Global Call for Positive Welfare for All Equids 

The newly published Good Welfare for Equids white paper sets a high bar for improving the welfare of horses, donkeys, and their hybrids (known collectively as ‘equids’). While primarily aimed at influencing European Union legislation, the framework offers insights and recommendations that resonate globally.  

The report underscores the importance of treating equids as sentient beings, capable of experiencing emotions like joy, contentment, and pain, and calls for ensuring their wellbeing regardless of their role—be it for sport, leisure, work, or companionship. 

The report emphasises that: 

• Equids have complex social, mental, and physical needs that must be met for them to thrive. 

• A good quality of life involves more than minimising stress or fear; it requires actively fostering positive experiences such as pleasure and contentment. 

• Good care, nutrition, social interaction, and ethical exercise not only benefit the animals but also strengthen the bond between equids and humans. 

To achieve this, the paper outlines the Five Provisions framework for equid welfare: 

1. Good nutrition 

1. A good physical environment 

1. Good health 

1. Positive social and behavioral interactions 

1. Positive mental experiences 

It also highlights the risks associated with various sectors where equids are involved, from production and sports to rescue and retirement, and advocates for robust identification and traceability systems to ensure their protection. 

Professor Nat Waran, one of the contributors to this report and Director of ‘A Good Life Center’ at Companion Animals NZ, emphasises the ethical responsibility to promote equid welfare, fostering positive outcomes for animals and the humans who depend on them. 

"Horses, donkeys, and mules are sentient beings who feel joy, fear, and pain, just as we do. This paper is a vital step toward recognising equids as sentient beings with unique physical, mental, and emotional needs, addressing the gaps and providing actionable recommendations to ensure equids live a "Good Life." By focusing on their quality of life, not just minimising harm, but fostering positive experiences, we can set a global standard for equid welfare that benefits both the animals and the people who both care for them and rely on them." - Professor Nat Waran 

This comprehensive framework challenges stakeholders worldwide to prioritise the welfare of equids, ensuring they live fulfilling lives. For more details, you can read the full white paper here: 

Understanding and meeting the unique needs of goats

Goats are intelligent, social, and curious animals that require more than just the basics of food, water, and shelter to thrive. Shaped by their evolution in mountainous terrains, goats need stimulating environments that promote their natural behaviours. These opportunities greatly enhance their physical and mental wellbeing. 

Dr Gosia Zobel

Companion Animals NZ’s Welfare Science Programme Coordinator, Dr Gosia Zobel, has done a lot of goat research. She dedicated most of her PhD with the Animal Welfare Programme at the University of British Columbia to goat behaviour.

Here, we ask her questions about the latest evidence-based information on giving goats a Good Life. 

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What makes goats so unique?  

“Goats are unique in so many ways – they’re intelligent, inquisitive, social, love to climb and - probably the most surprising thing to many people – they are actually picky eaters! They also love to climb, and also hide. These behaviours are specific to the individual, and their personality. Their memory and communication skills are also impressive, with individuals responding to each other’s bleats after a year apart, and recognising their penmate’s bodies without seeing faces.  

“Goats have richer emotional lives than many people realise. Like many other animals, every individual goat is different with their own quirks, wants and needs, but what really intrigues me is looking at ways to identify their emotional states.  

“Measuring quality of life isn’t always simple. We may be able to assess their health and surrounds, but a goat can’t tell us how they are feeling. We tend to use indirect methods and a lot of my work has been around finding these indicators. One of my favourite studies is where we assessed goats’ ability to make decisions after they had experienced something positive (some yummy leaves) or negative (a warm shower – goats hate water!). Just like when people are asked to decide on their evening plans, goats in a positive state of mind were quicker to make a decision compared to when they were feeling more negative. This was an example of an indirect way of identifying emotional states in goats.”  

Tell us about the history of goats... 

“Goats' evolution in mountainous, varied terrain has profoundly influenced their behaviour and needs, even as companion animals today. Originally adapted to navigate rocky landscapes and forage widely, goats developed strong innate capabilities for climbing, browsing a diverse array of plants, and remembering the location of those resources. 

“We know from observing feral and wild goats that they easily navigate large ranges and distances. I worked with a group of milking goats in the Swiss Alps that easily covered more than 4km each day! Furthermore, as herd animals, goats have also evolved complex social structures, forming bonds with selected individuals in their group. 

“Their active, inquisitive nature requires ample mental and physical stimulation to keep them content. Therefore, as companion animals, goats thrive when given opportunities to climb, forage, and engage with their surroundings, as well as to socialise within stable groups. Recognising these innate needs is essential for providing goats with an enriched environment that mirrors the choices and activities they would naturally seek.” 

What does this mean for their minimum care requirements, like shelter, food and healthcare? 

“Caring for a pet goat requires more than just meeting health and diet needs. Their housing doesn’t need to be expensive, but it is an important part of ensuring they are leading a good life. Goats will seek shelter from the elements (anyone who keeps goats outdoors I am certain has faced the vocal fury of a rain-soaked goat!). And to promote individual behaviour preferences, guardians can add hiding spots, such as partitions, sheltered areas, or enclosed spaces under raised platforms. These spaces allow goats to control their exposure and find solitude when needed. Key takeaways are that they should have: 

• Raised areas – for both rest and play 

• Hard, dry surfaces – to promote hoof wear and reduce hoof rot 

• Hiding places – for weather protection and social ‘downtime’ to reduce stress 

• Exercise – while it might not be possible to provide a huge range, promoting movement and walking is important 

• Companions - goats are social and should not be housed alone. 

“Goats also prefer a variety of plants to graze on. They like opportunities to have choice and accessing an array of plants to simulate the foraging activity which is great for keeping their active minds busy! One piece of research I was involved in showed that goats favoured feeders at eye or above head level over those at ground level. This may not be the case for every goat of course, so the name of the game for goats is always choice.

“Goats should have access to clean, fresh water at all times, and their diet needs to include good-quality forage, minerals (including copper – something that people that are grazing sheep often exclude), and sometimes a small amount of specialised goat feed to provide balanced nutrition. However, it important to be aware that such feed is usually formulated for milking or production animals, so most companion goats do not need it (in fact, neutered males or ‘whethers’ can develop life threatening urinary issues when fed these commercial diets).  

“Goats need regular veterinary check-ups to monitor their overall health and prevent diseases. Vaccinations, including those for clostridial diseases, are essential, as well as deworming to control internal parasites. Rather than routinely drenching with a deworming product, fecal egg counts should be done, and goats treated as required. If possible, try to rotate different areas of pasture to reduce the worm burden that goats are exposed to. And, unless people have a large block of land, I advise avoiding co-grazing goats and sheep. The latter are great at harbouring parasites that goats are much more susceptible to.  

“One of our studies showed that goats’ hooves grow over 5mm per month. This is not surprisning given their evolution and their typical exercise! Their hooves are made to wear down. So without access to rocks and kms of range each day, hoof trimming is necessary. Goats in my herd need trimming every 4–8 weeks to prevent overgrowth, and to nip any infections in the bud. The frequency depends on how rich feed is being fed, how wet the environment is, the amount of natural wearing the goat is able to do, and even genetics (my feral goat’s hooves need to be trimmed far less often than my Saanen and Toggenburgs’ hooves). “

“With proper care, goats can live long, healthy lives as loyal and engaging companion animals. ”

— Dr Gosia Zobel

What about enrichment opportunities? 

“Research I’ve been involved in has underscored the importance of a complex environment for goats – one that mimics the varied terrain they would experience in the wild. This may include enclosures with both open spaces and smaller, secluded sections. Adding logs, rocks, brushes, and obstacles encourages exploration and movement while providing diversity in their surroundings. Rotating or periodically rearranging enrichment items can also maintain their interest.  

“In addition to this, goats are highly intelligent animals, capable of learning complex tasks and solving problems. Lack of stimulation can lead to boredom and produce negative behaviours like fence-jumping or destructive behaviours like chewing inedible objects in their environment.

“Some people have a misconception that it is normal for a goat to be tethered for the majority of their life - this is actually heartbreaking as it is certainly not a suitable life for a goat. Often this might stem from goats being brought into a family without appropriate knowledge of their care requirements - and because they’re seen as cute - and when any troublesome behaviour arises because they’re not provided for in the right way, they are then tethered. Permanent tethering does not promote many of the natural behaviours of goats and should be avoided.

“This is why it is so important to do your research before bringing goats (it is important this is plural as they need companions!) into your life. Providing a range of interactive activities that promote their natural behaviours, such as raised feeders filled with varied forages, or plastic barrels for climbing on, will keep them stimulated and content. Some goats enjoy manipulating objects, so experiment with safe items like rope pulls or puzzle feeders that release food as they interact with them. 

“If we allow goats to perform their natural behaviours, we are getting closer to knowing that we’re providing a good quality of life.” 

Thank you Dr Zobel!

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Te Tohu Maimoa winners for November 2024

Te Tohu Maimoa recognises the contribution of people involved in the well-being of Companion Animals in New Zealand. The awards are held twice a year, presented by Companion Animals NZ, and nominations should focus on achievements in the previous 6 months.

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We are proud to announce the November 2024 Te Tohu Maimoa winners…

Rachael Maher 

Founder of Paws4Life 

Rachael Maher has been running Paws4Life for over a decade, dedicating herself to rescuing and caring for abandoned, injured, and stray cats and kittens. Her shelter is constantly full, reflecting her tireless 24/7 commitment to meeting the community's needs. Beyond her rescue work, Rachael has participated in meetings with the SPCA and Hamilton City Council, advocating for cat desexing and the humane treatment of strays. The Paws4Life Facebook page offers a glimpse into the continuous influx of strays ready for adoption, showcasing the incredible impact of her efforts. 

Annette Buckley 

Founder of Feline Fix 

Annette Buckley’s work in animal welfare reaches far and wide. With a focus on controlling the stray cat population, she has helped desex over 760 cats since Feline Fix was formed. Her work includes running impactful Facebook campaigns and providing crucial support for urgent medical treatments, reflecting her dedication to reducing unwanted litters and improving the lives of vulnerable animals. 

Zoey Jackson 

Education and Engagement Officer, Waikato Pound Pups (WDC) 

Zoey Jackson’s dedication to dog welfare shines through her work with Waikato Pound Pups. From her involvement with the ‘Take the Lead, Don’t Let Them Breed’ campaign to hands-on education in local schools, Zoey actively champions responsible pet ownership. Her ‘Dirty Dog Challenge’ and ‘Pound Pups Pool Parties’ fundraisers are not only fun but also crucial in supporting desexing and rehoming initiatives. With an extensive online community of over 26,000 followers, Zoey’s creative and passionate approach makes her a beloved advocate for dog welfare in the Waikato community. 

Sarah Christie 

Founder of Pet Whisperer Rescue 

Sarah Christie, founder of Pet Whisperer Rescue, has dedicated herself to supporting stray and lost cats in Auckland through initiatives such as colony feeding, trap-neuter-return programmes, and rehoming rehabilitated strays. Her collaboration with local businesses and the provision of desexing vouchers have made responsible pet ownership more accessible. Sarah’s tireless advocacy continues to make a meaningful impact on Auckland’s rescue efforts and the lives of countless cats. 

“The quality of the nominations in this round were amazing! It was certainly hard to come up with a shortlist for our judging panel as there were so many passionate individuals doing great things for the animals!

A big congratulations to our November winners who very much deserve this recognition and we hope know how appreciated their contributions are.”

— Nic McDonald, Animal Welfare Operations Officer

Is purring always a sign of happiness in cats?

In our recent survey 92% of cat owners told us that they view their cat purring as a sign that they are happy or in a positive state of mind. Cats vocalise to communicate with others and express their internal states.

Whilst its true that cats do purr when they are content or happy – there are also other situations when purring might take place. It’s important, for ensuring a good quality of life for our cats to be able to recognize the different meanings for each type of purr. 

What is a purr?

Not all of the cat family can purr. This wonderful sound is only found in domestic cats and some wild cats. Purring involves specific anatomical and physiological mechanisms. The sound originates from the rapid contraction and relaxation of the muscles within a cat's larynx (voice box), which causes the vocal cords to separate creating a wonderful sound that is both rhythmic and consistent.

What we now know is that cats purr not only when they're happy and content but also when they're frightened, in pain, or stressed. This varied purpose suggests that purring serves to help them cope with various emotions.

Why do cats purr?

For the most part cats purr as a way to communicate their emotional state whether positive of negative.

What we now know is that cats purr not only when they're happy and content but also when they're frightened, in pain, or stressed. This varied purpose suggests that purring serves to help them cope with various emotions.

What benefits does purring have?

There are a number of other benefits to purring which help in whatever situation that prompted it, including:

1. Self-calming: because it is sometimes performed by cats experiencing stressful situations, purring is thought to help lower stress and induce a calmer state of mind for the cat.

2. Social bonding: purring encourages maintenance of positive relationships. For example, The mother cat (queen) purrs during labour, which is thought to try to relieve discomfort and she will purr after her kittens are born enabling the kittens to follow the vibrations she makes towards the teats. Kittens begin purring when they're just a few days old, and this seems to help maintain the connection with the mother cat (queen) that is needed for kitten survival. Cats also purr to maintain significant human relationships too.

3. Specific meaning conveyed through the different sounds of the purr: the frequency of a cat’s purr can vary, and some cats learn to purr when they’re hungry or want human attention.

4. Healing properties: Researchers believe that a neural oscillator in the cat's brain sends signals to the laryngeal muscles, causing them to twitch at a rate of 25 to 150 vibrations per second (Hz). This is the range associated with many healing processes. This may be why purring is thought to promote tissue regeneration, and bone growth/fracture healing. Some studies also suggest that exposure to these vibrations can help reduce pain and inflammation, potentially speeding up recovery from injuries (see Muggenthaler, 2001). Other research suggests that people who own cats also have a 40% lower risk of heart attacks than non-cat owners, and blood pressure has been shown to be lowered in owners after interacting with their purring cats. This may be due to the reported calming effect that purring has on owners of cats (Ravenscroft et al., 2021). 

““Having the cat sitting next to me purring is always quite calming” ”

— (from Ravenscroft et al., 2021)

How can you recognise the different reasons for Purring?

Paying attention to the situation or context and the cat's body language when its purring can help you interpret the meaning behind their purrs more accurately!

There are various underlying motivations associated with purring in cats. Examples include:

1. The purr of contentment: this is a deep, steady purr that usually occurs when a cat is relaxed and comfortable and can be seen when they’re being stroked and when resting in a preferred area.

2. Solicitation purring: a learned behaviour that has been reinforced by the cat owner, is a higher-pitched more urgent sounding purr  (often mixed with loud meows) usually associated with begging behaviour, whilst soliciting their human’s attention, or asking for food.

1. The purr associated with anxiety or distress: if a cat is purring while exhibiting signs of distress (like hiding), the purr might sound more erratic or higher in pitch. It is thought that this is the cat’s attempt at trying to reduce their stress and soothe themselves.

2. A pain-related purr: a cat in pain may purr quietly and intermittently. The purr might be softer and less rhythmic and sound subdued.

Purrs have different meanings depending on the context and motivation of the cat. Distinguishing between the different sounds (pitch, intensity and frequency) helps owners to understand the underlying emotion being experienced by the cat (Figure from McComb et al., 2009) 

So the next time you hear your cat purring, have a look at the context he/she is in (hiding, sitting looking straight at you, resting on your knee) and consider the rest of their body language (tail movement, posture, facial expression) to ensure that you have a full appreciation of whether this is the sound of a happy, sad, stressed, painful or attention-seeking cat, so that you can provide them with what they need from you to ensure good welfare.  

EXPERT Article written by:

Professor Nat Waran,

Director of A Good Life for Animals Centre

References: 

Bradshaw JW. (2016) Sociality in cats: a comparative review. J Vet Behav. 11:113-124. 

Bradshaw J, Casey RA, Brown SL. (2012) The Behaviour of the Domestic Cat. CAB International, Wallingford. 

da Silva Garcia, F. A. B., & Martins, D. T. L. F. (2016). Does cat attachment have an effect on human health? A comparison between owners and volunteers. Pet Behaviour Science, 1-12. 

McComb, Karen et al. (2009) The cry embedded within the purr. Current Biology, Volume 19, Issue 13. 

Peters G. (2002) Purring and similar vocalizations in mammals. Mammal Rev. 32:245-271 

Ravenscroft, S. J., Barcelos, A. M., & Mills, D. S. (2021). Cat-human related activities associated with human well-being. Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin 2021. 

Elizabeth von Muggenthaler (2001) The felid purr: A healing mechanism? J. Acoust. Soc. Am.  110 (5_Supplement): 2666. 

Fireworks are fraught with risks for animals

Every year around 5 November, animals across New Zealand are put at unnecessary risk due to the harmful effects of fireworks. Here we discuss the negative impact of fireworks on animals, people and the environment. 

Fireworks are primarily used for recreation and human entertainment, despite the overwhelming evidence that they negatively impact domestic animals, wildlife and the environment. 

Studies, both in New Zealand¹ and internationally² have documented the fear behaviours companion animals exhibit in response to fireworks. The sudden, unpredictable bursts of light and noise cause distress and anxiety in pets³.  

Pet owners frequently report issues such as animals escaping, vocalising, trembling, urinating or defecating, and displaying destructive behaviours during fireworks displays. The negative impact on wildlife is also becoming more widely recognised, with effects that can extend far beyond what we see in our homes and neighbourhoods. 

According to surveys, up to half the pet dog population react fearfully to fireworks⁵,  with over 15% of fearful dogs requiring several days or longer to recover from a firework event. Sadly some dogs (3%) show changes in their behaviour for weeks or months afterwards. 

For our valued pets, fireworks are associated with a range of issues including: 

• Increased stress and anxiety: The loud noises and bright flashes can cause significant stress for pets and wildlife. Animals may react by hiding, fleeing, or displaying signs of panic.  

• Increased fear and disorientation: In response to fear, animals may respond by freezing, hiding or fleeing, depending on where they are in relation to the fireworks. Many animals that are not contained, such as horses, outdoor access cats, rabbits in outdoor hutches and birds in outdoor aviaries as well as wildlife, can become disoriented by the sounds and lights, they may panic and try to escape potentially leading to collisions with structures or other animals.  

• Increased potential for injuries: Animals may injure themselves while trying to escape the noise or become dangerous to handle or cause injury to humans due to their fear responses. In some cases, the strength of the fear response may lead to death. In a New Zealand survey, 26% of horse owners reported increased running in response to fireworks, often associated with fence-breaking and injury⁵. 

• Quality of life disruption: Fireworks negatively affect an animal’s quality of life in the short and sometimes longer term, and for wildlife fireworks may disrupt their breeding and feeding patterns, particularly in birds during nesting seasons. 

So what can pet owners do to help their animals get through this time?  

Short-term tactics 

If fireworks events are imminent, then there are some actions you can take to prepare and provide for your pets safety during the period when fireworks are available for private sale and use. 

• Check your animal’s identification details are up to date: Whether this is their microchip details on our New Zealand Companion Animal Register, their ID tag or collar – ensure there is a way to identify your companion animal if they go missing. 

• Create a safe space: Set up a comfort area in your home where your dog/cat can feel safe during fireworks. Making a cosy den using a blanket, putting the animal’s favourite toys and making use of an item of your clothing to create familiar scents will help to keep the animal feeling secure.  

• Stay with your animal: Make sure that you are with your pet, and you keep your own emotions steady so they are not sensing anything from you and you’re able to help keep them feeling calm and safe.  

• If you can, sound-proof an area of the house: Close windows and doors and use white noise machines, classical music or even air fans to help mask the sound. 

• Other ways to reduce anxiety: There are other options to explore which may or may not work for your animal. For example, canine thundershirts (snug-fitting garments) can provide a sense of security for some anxious dogs, although you will need to test this before you use them during the firework period. Pheromonatherapy may also be useful – this refers to synthetic pheromones to influence the behavior and emotional state of animals, particularly pets. It is assumed to have an intrinsic effect on the emotional processing of animals. Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) plug-in diffusers available through vets, and placed around the house, resulted a reported improvement in dogs’ clinical signs during firework exposure⁶. There is also a feline version available that appears to be useful for reducing stress in cats. 

• Move your animal temporarily if appropriate: Horse owners are usually better advised, if they can, to remove their horses to another property where they know fireworks cannot be heard, however if this is not possible there is some guidance on this site about how to prepare your horse. 

• Consult your vet regarding medication: If you are extremely worried about how you pet’s will cope, and your animal’s fear and anxiety is severe, consult your vet who may recommend short term medication to help your pet manage during fireworks events. 

Longer-term strategies 

For those pet owners who know that they are likely to experience local private firework displays in advance. These involve systematically desensitising pets to the sorts of stimuli associated with fireworks. Studies have shown that owners who spend the time preparing their dogs (and cats) when they are at a young age – will see the benefits for their animals who are less reactive to triggers such as the loud bangs associated with guns, cars back firing and loud fireworks.  

However for those who’s animals have already acquired a fear response there is a need to try to modify their emotional response through a combination of behaviour modification, environmental management, and sometimes medication from the veterinarian.  Effective strategies to be used to prepare and/or manage your animal’s emotional response include: 

• Desensitising through gradual exposure: Start by playing recordings of fireworks at a low volume when the animal is in a calm state, gradually increasing it as your dog becomes more comfortable, but never pushing the animal out of his comfort zone. 

• Use of positive reinforcement: Pairing the gradual introduction (low volume) of the fireworks sounds with treats, toys, or playtime to create positive associations. 

You can also reach out to an accredited professional to provide advice and support for you and your animal during this time. You can see a list of those people accredited by Companion Animals New Zealand here. 

Fireworks are fraught with risks for animals, causing distress, fear, and even physical harm. It’s crucial to recognise these dangers and take proactive steps to prepare ahead of time, helping to ensure your animal's well-being and safety, and allowing them to get through fireworks season with less stress and fear. Your pet depends on you to protect them—let's make sure they feel safe when the fireworks begin. 

References  

1. Dale A.R., Walker J.K., Farnworth M.J., Morrissey S.V., Waran N.K. A survey of owners' perceptions of fear of fireworks in a sample of dogs and cats in New Zealand. N. Z. Vet. J. 2010;58:286–291.  

2. Overall K.L., Dunham A.E., Frank D. Frequency of nonspecific clinical signs in dogs with separation anxiety, thunderstorm phobia, and noise phobia, alone or in combination. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 2001;219:467–473.  

3. Gates, MC, Zito, S, Walker, JK, and Dale, AR (2019). Owner perceptions and management of the adverse behavioural effects of fireworks on companion animals: an update. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 67, 323–328. 

4. Riemer, S., 2019. Not a one-way road—Severity, progression and prevention of firework fears in dogs. PLoS One, 14(9), p.e0218150. 

5. Gronqvist, G, Rogers, C, and Gee, E (2016). The management of horses during fireworks in New Zealand. Animals 6, 20. 

6. Sheppard, G. and Mills, D.S., 2003. Evaluation of dog‐appeasing pheromone as a potential treatment for dogs fearful of fireworks. Veterinary Record, 152(14), pp.432-436. 

Horse welfare research in the spotlight

International research delving into horse welfare topics has been brought to New Zealand, as researchers from Companion Animals New Zealand collaborate with international institutions on hot topics such as the use of horses in sport and identifying horse emotions. 

Companion Animals New Zealand is committed to promoting a Good Life for Animals. We invest in research and behaviour change initiatives to improve understanding of animal emotions and share evidence-based knowledge with pet owners and those caring for animals. 

To achieve this, the charity carries out its own research, as well as collaborating with a number of international animal welfare research teams. 

Professor Nat Waran, Director for A Good Life for Animals Centre at Companion Animals NZ, is an internationally recognised animal behaviour and welfare scientist and her work towards improving equine welfare has been extensive. She says working with a global network of animal welfare scientists is vital because it fosters an interchange of diverse perspectives and international comparisons, helping us stay at the forefront of animal welfare advancements and knowledge here in New Zealand.  

“International research collaborations are important for assisting with Companion Animals NZ’s work because they allow us to tap into global expertise and cutting-edge knowledge. By working with world-leading researchers, we can bring valuable insights back to New Zealand and apply them through a local lens, ultimately improving the welfare of our animals here at home.”

— Professor Nat Waran

Horses in sport 

Companion Animal’s New Zealand’s collaboration on equine welfare research projects involves researchers from various countries including; Sweden, UK, Denmark, Brazil and Australia. One of these is a study considering public opinion regarding the use of horses in sport.  It asks about what equestrian events people have watched and/or attended.

It’s being conducted by Pamela Spisak, a MSc Equine Science student at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh.  Pamela is co-supervised Professor Nat Waran, (the A Good Life for Animals Director for Companion Animals New NZ). Information from the work will help add to our understanding of the current level of interest and opinions regarding horse use in sport, of both the general public and those involved in the horse world. CANZ looks forward to reporting on the results once the student has completed the work. 

 This survey is open until 1 November: Public Opinion of Equestrian Sport (jisc.ac.uk)  

 Horse emotions 

Another international equine welfare study we are involved in aims to improve owner knowledge about how horses express emotions. An international animal welfare science team, including Prof Nat Waran, is exploring how horses express their emotions in ANTICIPATION of different handling situations. Reseachers are interested in if they see these events as positive or negative, how intense their feelings are (calm, excited, or somewhere in between), and the various behaviours/facialand body movements horses exhibit to express their emotional state.  

  Participants are asked to spend 25 minutes watching some short video clips and providing their insights. These videos feature horses trained to anticipate four specific human interactions, each designed to evoke different emotional responses. 

 This survey is open until 10 November: https://www.slu.se/globalassets/ew/horses-emotions.html   

 More to come 

Equine welfare studies such as these are crucial because they help capture public and equestrian opinions, attitudes, and experiences, providing valuable insights into how various parts of society view the way horses are managed in different environments and used for different purposes. The results gained from our international equine welfare work will help inform welfare standards, influence policy decisions, and guide best practices to ensure that horses are cared for in ways that prioritise their health, happiness, and wellbeing, with the aim of providing a Good Life for all equids wherever they may live.  

A quarter of pet owners cite high cost of living as challenge to meeting pet’s needs.

More than 3,400 Kiwis shared insights on their pets' happiness and wellbeing as part of a Companion Animals NZ (CANZ) Survey. 

The survey, carried out in July this year, revealed how Kiwi pet owners perceive their pets’ lives and emotions, as well as some of the challenges and concerns they face.  Respondents were part of the community of animal guardians (pet owners) with their animal’s microchips registered on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register.  

98% of respondents completed the survey about either their cat or dog, with a small number of other species such as horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, fish, birds and reptiles.  

Professor Nat Waran, Director of A Good Life Centre at CANZ, says this robust survey provides good information about how Kiwi pet owners perceive their animal’s quality of life.  

“At Companion Animals NZ (CANZ), we're committed to understanding what a ‘Good Life’ means for pets and how we can provide the information and support to ensure the wellbeing of animals across the country,” says Professor Waran. “Key to this is understanding how people currently feel about their pet’s lives. Our charity uses an evidence-based approach, using robust research to inform the development of our education and community-based programmes.”   

Key facts and insights from the survey 

Emotions:

• Whilst 99% of people believed that their animal can experience emotions and 97% of people felt their pets were very happy or quite happy, only 58% of people thought their animal could feel anger. 

• Interestingly, 74% of people felt their animals could be sad – but there was less confidence in recognising this emotional state as compared with happiness. 

• When asked about what made their cats and dogs happy, most people thought ‘their company’ was of key importance to their animal’s happiness. 

• When asked about how they knew their pet was feeling happy, 92% of people believe purring to be a sign of happiness in their cat, and 90% of people believe a wagging tail to be a sign of happiness for their dog.  

Pet owner challenges and concerns: 

• 26% of people stated cost of living was making it hard for them to meet their animal’s needs. 

• Topping the list of the owner’s perceived challenges for cats and dogs was work / life commitments, with 41% of people saying this meant they have to leave their animal alone. 

• Another barrier to providing for pet needs that was high on the list for both cat and dog owners was not having enough information about animal emotions.  

• When animal owners were asked about their worries about their pet, the top three areas were; their pet being healthy, having adequate mental stimulation and not having enough interaction with their owner. 

“It is incredibly valuable to us to understand the viewpoints of such a large number of animal guardians. This will help shape what we do, or provide to help improve companion animal welfare,” continues Professor Waran. 

“We understand that caring for a pet comes with significant financial responsibility, and with the rising cost of living, we know many pet owners are feeling the strain as they strive to provide the best for their beloved companions. We are keen to provide information to pet owners concerning ways to make ends meet, whilst still giving their much-loved companions a good life.” 

Professor Waran says a big focus for CANZ is also helping people better understand their animal’s emotions. 

“This survey found that despite there being a lot more science-based information available about pet behaviour, the time honoured ‘signs’ of animal ‘happiness’ are still very much prominent – with cats purring and dogs wagging tails generally interpreted as sure signs of happiness in a pet. While at certain times and certain situations this can be true, we also now know a lot more about emotional expression in animals and how these two indicators may also be signs of negative welfare such as stress or fear. For animal and human wellbeing, it is important that owners make use of a more nuanced approach when assessing the emotion their pet is experiencing.”  

CANZ are committed to supporting owners to enhance their understanding of the emotional life of their pets through sharing credible information. An example of this is the series of free webinars run recently with our CANZ Accredited animal behaviourists and trainers – on a number of topics from pet aggression to recognising when animals are in pain. The recordings of these videos collectively received more than 2,500 views. 

CANZ is grateful to all of the animal guardians who responded to the call for information about their pets, and the results of this survey will shape upcoming educational programmes and resources designed to address the challenges and concerns raised by pet owners. 

 Media contact:

Rebecca Cameron
Marketing and Communications Manager
Email: rebecca@companionanimals.nz
DD:  +64 21 555183