COMPANION ANIMAL ECONOMICS: THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COMPANION ANIMALS IN THE UK

Succinct, highly readable and thought provoking, this important new text is designed to raise awareness of the potential economic impact of companion animals in the UK. It discusses the potential benefits and costs of companion animals to the economy and highlights the need for this matter to be thoroughly researched, given the potential scale of impact and the potential costs of ignoring this matter. The book includes:- case studies to illustrate the savings to the NHS that might be associated with companion animal ownership;- links to up-to-date tables and content that might form templates for use in other countries; and- highly readable information written by expert authors and key opinion leaders in the field.Inspired by the seminal Council for Science and Society (CSS) Report, Companion Animals in Society (1988), this work updates and extends its evaluation of the economic impact of companion animals on society and lays a benchmark for future development. This pivotal new book is important for policy makers at national and international levels and all those involved in animal welfare.

Professor Mills is an RCVS, European and ASAB recognised specialist in clinical animal behaviour, and was the first professor of the discipline in Europe. While his clinical and scientific work has historically focused on the disruptive effect of companion animal behaviour on owners and society (problem behaviour and its management) through his work as a clinical animal behaviourist, he has more recently pursued an interest in assistance dogs and animal assisted interventions through diverse collaborations. His research in this area has included the first longitudinal study of its kind (3 year follow up) examining the effect of the pet dog on families with an autistic child, the effect of reading to dogs in schools and the impact of dogs in the workplace (currently under review). Professor Mills is a well-known international speaker on companion animal behaviour/welfare and the role of animals in society , with around 100 peer-reviewed full scientific research publications, over 40 books and chapters, and over a hundred ISBN indexed conference abstracts. He heads up a large interdisciplinary group at Lincoln with 11 Post Graduate Research students and 3 Post Doctoral Researchers.