Organisations Urge MPs to Recognise the Transformative Power of the Human-Companion Animal Bond
Call for Policies to Support Both Human and Canine Welfare
Leading human and canine welfare organisations are urging MPs to champion policies that acknowledge the power of the human-companion animal bond to increase physical and mental wellbeing.
On Tuesday 21 January, 39 MPs, including Becky Gittins (Labour, Clwyd East), Anne Davies (Plaid Cymru, Caerfyrddin), Rosie Duffield (Independent, Canterbury) and Carla Lockhart (DUP, Upper Bann), attended a parliamentary drop-in at Westminster. The event was hosted by vets Dr Marc Abraham OBE, Dr Belinda ‘Bin’ Johnston, founder of the charity Our Special Friends (OSF), and Dr Elizabeth Ormerod, Chair of the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) to showcase the approach and range of animal companionship support services currently improving the lives of people experiencing vulnerability across the UK.
Following the drop-in, a well-attended meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG) took place in the Palace of Westminster, hosted by Dr Abraham. The event was jointly organised by OSF and SCAS and featured presentations from a range of organisations that utilise the human-canine bond to enhance the welfare of people and dogs. Speakers included:
- Canine Partners, which trains assistance dogs to help individuals with physical disabilities live more independently.
- Paws for Progress, which provides dog-assisted learning programmes in prisons, schools and its local community.
- The International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy (IIAAPT), which offers training and accreditation for professionals in animal-assisted play therapy.
Key themes from the discussions included:
- The need for greater collaboration between human and canine welfare organisations.
- A focus on ethical practices to ensure positive, mutually beneficial interactions between people and dogs.
- A need for the development of best-practice guidelines across the sector.
Dr Johnston commented: “We were delighted to meet so many MPs keen to learn about the incredible ways dogs contribute to the wellbeing of millions of people across the UK every day. We were also grateful to the organisations which shared their inspiring work at the APDAWG meeting.”
She continued: “Together, we’re calling on the government to:
- Recognise pets as key contributors to wellbeing and support collaboration between human and animal welfare organisations to harness the power of the human-companion animal bond.
- Promote pet-inclusive housing, including policies that ensure pet-friendly options in temporary and emergency accommodation.
- Embed humane education on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership to create safer, more compassionate communities for both people and animals.”
Dr Johnston also expressed gratitude to Rosie Duffield MP, chair of APDAWG, and Dr Abraham for hosting the event, as well as to Agria Pet Insurance for supporting the evening.
Dr Abraham said: “It was an honour for APDAWG to host the parliamentary drop-in and meeting in Westminster, in partnership with OSF and SCAS. Together, with some truly incredibly inspiring speakers, we demonstrated the unquestionable benefits of animal-assisted services, including offering emotional support, improved mental health, and physical benefits, while addressing the importance of undertaking these interactions safely for both people and dogs.
“We need the support of parliamentarians to deliver these services on a national scale and, underpinned by a spirit of evidence, kindness, and collaboration, these meetings were an important first step in making this happen.”
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