The ironies are mind-boggling. Why would the US, the world’s richest country with all the planet’s resources at its call, not be able to stick to its commitments to pets? Harbolt says, ‘This applies to some people, not all. They may not have the tools or preparation to become pet owners. This is a key issue which humane societies seek to address. At times, people don’t invest adequately in training or vet care — they then dump their pets if they become ill or unmanageable. These animals end up in shelters, facing elimination. When I entered the field in the 1990s,’ Harbolt recalls, her voice very quiet now, ‘It was a devastating situation. However, over the last 30 years, we have made many improvements, working with rescue teams, no-kill groups, organising behavioural training classes for owners, having hotlines for help, all to try and keep animals in their original homes.’
There are larger forces at play here, including the pressures of capitalism itself. Harbolt explains, ‘Some of this is about resources. From purebred breeding to pet products, keeping animals is becoming increasingly expensive — veterinary clinics are being bought by large companies which raise prices. This makes other vets increase their prices. Animal raising is very expensive now and we still have areas of high poverty in the US — this contributes to high relinquishment of pets,’ she says.
Ironically, this is happening just when more Americans are deciding to stay single — ‘Animals are becoming a way to nurture which doesn’t involve having a child.’ Further, there is growing recognition of the individuality of pets themselves. ‘In philosophy and research, the terminology is changing to ‘companion animal’ which people feel means family. We’re also seeing changes in laws where animals are not treated as property or objects but beings with subjecthood. Divorce custody battles are being fought over pets now — and judges are growing more aware of the animal’s perspective, the fact that it has feelings, attachments and love. This is progress,’ Harbolt smiles.
Yet, there are inadequate laws to protect domesticated animals from harm. ‘In my state, the agricultural lobbies and the Kentucky Derby interests are so strong, they can push against the passage of laws that guardrail animals because this would regulate their industries. We have trouble even getting laws passed for dog shelters because the lobby then fears it’ll have to provide shelters for its sheep or horses. This is a cost barrier to some.’
However, supporters of companion animals are fighting on — despite the cutting remarks they face from politicians like JD Vance who recently mocked America’s ‘childless cat ladies’. Asked about this, Harbolt laughs but her voice is steely. ‘Well, the cat ladies have mobilised now. They are on social media, supporting a certain candidate. JD Vance thinks people who don’t have children are somehow harming America — this false narrative says birth rates going down will somehow affect our primacy as a nation.’
Harbolt then emphasises, ‘What it really comes down to is racism — they don’t want to see people of colour having a stake in policy making. I hope this is the last hurrah of the white supremacy that has dominated our politics for so long — I want a politics now that represents true American people who are multicultural and diverse,’ she stops and laughs now, ‘And pet parents could lead that charge.’
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Publish date : 2024-08-30 15:51:00
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