Globalizing human-animal companionship

28 World Health • SlstYeor, No. 5, September-October 1998 Globalizing human-animal companionship Dennis C. Turner The emotional benefits that people derive from .the companionship of onimols translate into measurable improvements in their physical health. Photo WHO/D. C. Turner In September 1998, the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAlO) organized the 8th international conference on human-animal interactions, "The Changing Roles of Animals in Society", in Prague, Czech Republic. This conference was cosponsored by WHO and attended by 800 delegates from 42 nations. WHO and IAHAIO called a joint Discussion Forum in Prague to plan a training programme for developing countries on dog and cat population issues, emphasizing zoonoses pre- vention and encouragement of responsible animal care. In the industrialized and urban- ized world, companion animals - in particular, dogs and cats - can play an important role in improving the health and quality of life of their owners (see box). Scientifically contro lled studies, many of which were presented at the 1995 IAHAIO conference in Geneva and the 1998 conference in Prague, have demon- strated the fo llowing benefits to people who have dogs and cats in modern societies: lower heart rate and blood pressure in stressful situations, faster recovery from physical and/or emotional stress, lower cholesterol levels, increased physical activity, lower intake of medication, shorter hospital stays, fewer complaints about minor health problems and measurable improve- ment in emotional well-being, in- creased social contact with other people, increased self-esteem and communication skill s (especially among children), reduced levels of apathy, confusion, depression and loneliness (especially among elderly persons) , and increased social and emotional support in times of crisis. Recognizing these benefits of contact with companion animals, the national members ofIAHAIO unani- mously adopted "The IAHAIO Geneva Declaration" in 1995 with five fundamental resolutions which have, in the meantime, been en- dorsed by over 65 organizations, institutions and government agen- cies throughout the world. Research and applied programmes in this field have advanced so much over the past two decades, that in 1998, "The IAHAIO Prague Guidelines on Animal-Assisted Activities and Animal-Assisted Therapy" were ratified to ensure the quality of such programmes by international recog- nition. In many developing countries, however, one finds a more complex situation. On the one hand, in urban Read a book on companion animals: Wilson , C. & Turner, D.C. (eds.) 1997. Companion Animals in Human Health, Sage Publications, Inc ., 2455 Teller Road , Thousand Oaks, CA 91320-2218, USA; e-mail :order@sagepub.com (Price: $45 hard cover; $21.95 paperback) Ask for a copy of the IAHAIO Geneva Declaration or of the Prague Guidelines on Animal-Assisted Activities and Therapy: available in various languages from AFIRAC , 7 rue du Pasteur Wagner, F-75011 Paris. • The w hole story of animals and human health in a nutshel l: World Health , Ju ly-August 1998. areas there are many dog and cat owners who derive the same benefits of contact with dogs and cats in their homes as described above; on the other, large segments of the human population are confronted with problems caused by unsupervised or untamed dogs, cats and other ani- mals. These problems include zoonoses, injuries, annoyance and pollution. Nevertheless, experience has shown that by taking an inclu- sive approach to companion animal issues, including education about zoonoses prevention, animal popula- tion management and welfare, and responsible pet care, these problems can be solved to everyone's satisfac- tion . Both human and animal health and welfare are improved. This is the approach that the WHO/IAHAIO Discussion Forum, with significant input from the World Society for the Protection of Animals, took in Prague. Plans for a joint training programme are currently being finalized and it is hoped that this will be offered for the firs t time by late 1999 or early 2000, either in South America or South-East Asia. • Dr Dennis C. Turner is President of IAHAIO, the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations and Programme Chair of the conference Prague '98 (cosponsored by WHO}. His address is: P.O. Box 32, 8816 Hirzel, Switzerland. IAHAIO's address is. IAHAIO, c/o Delta Society, 289 Perimeter Road East, Renton, WA, USA 98055-1329.