VETS IN SOUTH YORKSHIRE SUPPORT CAMPAIGN TO RAISE AWARENESS OF PASSIVE SMOKING RISK TO PETS
Vets across South Yorkshire have joined Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster councils in a campaign to persuade animal lovers not to smoke near their pets. The three councils have teamed up with vets in the region to urge smokers to keep their homes smokefree to help keep their pets fit and well.
According to recent research*, pets are at even greater risk from their owners smoking around them than humans because they spend more time in the home and they are usually closer to carpets, where cancer-causing particles can linger. The research shows that animals exposed to second-hand smoke go on to develop a host of health problems including cancer, cell damage and weight gain.
The study found that cats are particularly at risk from second-hand smoke, potentially due to extensive self-grooming but all pets can be affected.
Councillor Pat Knight, Doncaster’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “The campaign is designed to highlight the dangers of smoking near pets. Many people are already aware of the risks of second-hand smoke when it comes to babies and young children, while pet owners are often surprised that animals can be harmed too.
“In Doncaster, 22.7 percent of the adult population smoke, in Rotherham it is 18.4 percent and in Sheffield it is 17.7 percent**. Reducing the amount of smoke pets are exposed to by smoking outdoors can help, however stopping smoking completely is the best option to keep pets fit and well. There is plenty of free help and support available locally for smokers who want to quit.”
Phil Tricklebank, Veterinary Surgeon at Hallam Veterinary Centre in Sheffield, is supporting the campaign. He said: “I have seen many cases of chronic bronchitis in dogs and feline asthma in cats, which can often be aggravated by exposure to second-hand smoke. I would urge all animal lovers not to smoke around their pets.”
As part of a wider campaign to combat the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, members of the public in South Yorkshire are being urged to sign a pledge to make their homes and cars smokefree at http://www.breathe2025.org.uk/.
To find out more about the local help and support available, contact your local stop smoking service on 0800 612 0011 (free from landlines) or 0330 660 1166 (free from most mobiles) or visit www.yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk.
No Comment