Credits: Social Media
Pet owners’ lives are more at risk during natural disasters, shows study
Pets are family and it’s hard to imagine your life without them. People who are forcefully separated from pets are more vulnerable to health issues.
A new study found that pets are why some people delay making life-changing decisions – like walking out of a toxic relationship.
Forced separation from pets affects owners’ health
Being forcefully separated from their pet is the most heartbreaking thing anyone could endure. A new study analyzes the impact it has on the psychological and overall well-being of the pet owner.
A review of 27 years of international research looks at the impact of different crises on people when their furry buddies are snatched away from them.
This includes unforeseen events like a natural disaster or those who face the threat of having their pets taken away, like in an abusive relationship.
- MAKES SENSE: 71% are more likely to match people on dating apps if they have dog photos, study finds
The study carried out by researchers at the James Cook University in Australia reveals: “The strong emotional attachment between people and animals may result in vulnerability for both in circumstances where this bond is threatened.”
In any forced situation, pet owners are deeply concerned about their pets’ safety and well-being, which causes psychological distress and the risk to their health.
Being separated from pets during a natural disaster increases the risk to people’s safety as they would return for their furry buddies in a period of danger or stay behind to protect them.
Pet lovers remain stuck in difficult relationships
The study aims to draw attention to the lack of resources to support abused women, who find it difficult to escape domestic violence concerned about the safety and shelter of their pets.
They are more likely to delay their decision to leave as they are either worried about the well-being of their pets or face the threat of being forcefully separated from them.
“In a lot of cases of domestic violence, there is evidence to suggest that people will delay leaving their relationship to protect their pet,” said�lead author Jasmine Montgomery.
“Sadly, the review also confirmed that a common outcome for pets in cases of domestic violence was maltreatment and/or death,” she added.
Most abusers who are notorious for their manipulative tactics use pets as bait to lure their victims back into the relationship. They often threaten to take them away, forcing the abused partner to go back, at the cost of their own safety.
As a solution to the prevalent issue, the researcher suggests:
“What we need to start doing is taking our pets, and the value of our pets, very seriously. And, as a collective in the community, sharing that responsibility and placing the needs of pets in those areas of policy development, legislation, service provision, and housing to help prevent unacceptable outcomes such as animal maltreatment or death.”
