Conference

Companion Animals in a Changing World – Conference 2024 Wrap

Companion Animals NZ Chair, Steven Thompson, with Hon. Minster Hoggard

On 12 March, more than 120 animal welfare experts, including researchers, advocates and senior figures, gathered in Hamilton New Zealand to discuss the impact of the changing world on our pets. Hosted by Companion Animals New Zealand, this biennial conference serves as a platform to bring together diverse perspectives in animal welfare and foster industry-wide collaboration. 

The day was full of insightful presentations across a number of themes – from our changing expectations and changing climate, to our changing lifestyles and how we can provide a Good Life for our companion animals in a changing world.  

The conference commenced with an inaugural address by the Honorable Andrew Hoggard, Minister responsible for Animal Welfare, who underscored the intrinsic value companion animals hold in New Zealanders' lives. Drawing from personal anecdotes, including the cherished position of his own pets within his household hierarchy, the Minister emphasised New Zealand's steadfast commitment to upholding high standards of animal welfare. 

Keynote speakers included professors and expert practitioners from all over the world, speaking on a variety of topics including: 

  •  how societal views and our own lifestyle and behavioural changes have impacted our pets health and welfare (for example, working families and increased incidence of ‘modern’ diseases such as obesity in humans),  

  • how research around retired greyhounds in the UK is helping improve the success of efforts to home greyhounds and mitigate their rates of relinquishment, and  

  • how the environmental footprint of pet management including breeding, veterinary procedures and pet food production should be considered into the future.  

Also covered was the mutual benefit of the human and animal relationship and research around how we can measure an animal’s emotional experience to ensure it enjoys mostly positive emotions and has a good quality of life. 

Professor Nat Waran of Companion Animals New Zealand reflected on the  insights gleaned during the 2024 Companion Animals Conference, emphasising the important role this event holds as a catalyst for meaningful, forward focussed dialogue. She highlighted the importance of recognising our impact on companion animals and their welfare,  and cautioned against imposing human interpretations on their experiences. 

Waran remarked, "One key takeaway for me personally ist he need to view animal welfare through a lens devoid of human biases. Often, our perceptions of what constitutes a positive experience for animals may not align with their reality. As our understanding of the importance of positive human-animal relationships grows, so does our recognition of the ethical responsibilities we have towards them and their maintenance in our society." 

Expressing gratitude to the diverse array of speakers whose contributions enriched the conference, Waran spoke of the collaborative spirit that drives progress in animal welfare. She noted, "These gatherings foster an environment of sharing  and learning, paving the way for a more enlightened and compassionate approach to caring for our cherished companions to ensure they experience a good quality of life." 

Following on from the Conference day, the gala dinner saw the announcement of four incredible winners of the Assisi Awards, recognising animal welfare excellence.  The conference was also attended by participants online from various countries via a live-stream link.

Plenary and invited talks will soon be made available to the public via companionanimals.nz. Companion Animals New Zealand would like to thank all the sponsors who made this event possible – outlined below. 

Exploring the future of pets in New Zealand: conference to tackle big questions of changing attitudes, environment and cost of living

Companion Animals New Zealand (CANZ) is thrilled to be hosting its upcoming March conference, “Companion Animals in a Changing World”, set to address critical issues impacting companion animals and bring together passionate advocates for animal welfare. 

Among the topics covered in the conference hosted by the national charity will be the ever-evolving discourse on cat management, environmental challenges and the economic impact on pet owners.  

The conference, which takes place 12-13 March, will bring together international speakers and leading animal experts such as vets, scientists, SPCA, shelters and other animal welfare organisations from around the country.  

Professor Nat Waran from CANZ, says New Zealanders might be considered a pet-loving nation (with more than two thirds of households being home to one or more companion animals), but changing societal values are driving questions concerning the role and acceptability of pets-keeping, and impacting how we care for our animals.   

"This is the perfect time to consider how, in a rapidly changing world, we can maintain our commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of our pets” says Professor Waran.  

“There has been a lot of debate relating to the management of cats, for example. This is only going to increase. As are conversations about dog management, and where they can exercise freely or be present in our community – as there is a need for more parks and spaces for dogs to exercise off-leash. From a risk perspective, we hear about many dogs found to be roaming which is of concern. Expectations are changing and responsible pet ownership is understandably under the spotlight. 

“Adding to this, how are we considering our pet’s impact on the environment? And how are we learning from last year’s weather in relation to emergency preparedness? Ultimately, we are wanting to address the question of how we ensure animals in our homes are experiencing a good life now and into the future.” 

The timely conference follows the anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle which had disastrous consequences for so many animals. It also comes after a year of coverage around companion animal overpopulation across the country, as shelters struggle being inundated with unwanted animals, as well as heightened calls for a national legislation involving mandating the desexing and microchipping of companion cats. 

CANZ, the custodian of New Zealand's pet microchip database (NZCAR), is uniquely placed to host this vital conversation, as it regularly works with a diverse range of animal welfare groups across the country. The conference will build on CANZ’s recently launched initiative – ‘A Good life for Animals’ Centre – a collaborative effort to fill knowledge gaps and elevate animal welfare standards across the country. 

“Even people with the best intentions might not have the knowledge needed to be confident that their pet’s wellbeing is optimised,” continues Professor Waran. “A ‘Good Life’ means maximizing positive experiences and emotions, and minimising negative ones. I’m honoured to be directing this new Centre, helping define what a ‘Good Life’ for companion animals is within the New Zealand context.” 

Tickets are still available for the March Conference and the conference is open to all who want to learn about the latest research and best practice.  

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