26 Section 2
have a range of emotional motivations. The behavioural outcomes of those
motivations can be similar, and reports of howling, barking, destruction or
toileting in the owner’s absence are common. While the impact on the owner
may be the first consideration, it is important to remember that these be-
haviours can also impact on the immediate family, the direct neighbours and
even the wider community. The welfare impact can be significant for both
the human and non-human animals involved. Other and more subtle behav-
ioural outcomes, such as pacing, restlessness or repetitive behaviours may
primarily affect the companion animal and are at risk of being considered
less important because of their reduced impact on humans.
Interventions such as raising awareness of pet owners and rearing com-
panion animals appropriately so that they can integrate into domestic life
can help prevent these welfare issues. Introducing socialization at early
stages under the supervision of a trained animal behaviourist can support ef-
forts to help prevent these welfare issues. Understanding emotional health in
companion animals and the importance of maximizing emotional resilience
and stability is the key, alongside increased education about species-specific
environmental needs and the requirement for environmental optimization
(Sarah Heath, pers. comm., 2017). Genetic selection may also have an influ-
ence on these aspects, and has not yet been fully explored.
Case Study 4 – Separation-related distress (by Sarah Heath, England)
When Rosie came home from work to find a handwritten note from her neigh-
bour on the door mat she did not initially comprehend the ramifications. The note
informed Rosie that her pet dog Harry had been howling and barking for hours
while she had been at work, and that the neighbour had been talking to other
neighbours about what action they should take.
At that moment Rosie experienced a mixture of reactions including concern for
Harry and sadness at the thought of him being distressed, guilt at having to leave
him alone for so long while she was working, and worry about the effect on her
relationship with her neighbours and the potential action that they might take.
When a letter from the environmental health department of her local council
arrived just 3 days later an additional response – anger – began to take hold. How
could her neighbours have reported her without giving her a chance to sort things
out? How could they be so lacking in empathy and understanding?
Rosie lived alone and after being unemployed for a long time she had managed
to secure employment in a supermarket. She only worked for 4 hours a day but
the supermarket was a long way from her home and she did not drive. Taking
public transport meant that the journey to and from work was long and could
often be extended due to the unreliability of the buses on that route. Without any
family nearby Rosie felt that she had no choice but to leave Harry home alone for
6–7 hours a day.
This case highlights the role of a One Welfare approach. Harry’s howling was
not only indicative of his own emotional distress, but also highlighted difficultiesContinued