From Douglas Dickie
I do not dissent from Tony Green’s view that some cat owners should show more responsibility in controlling their pets’ activities (16 November, p 24). However, he is obviously unaware that the benefits to human health of keeping a pet far outweigh any harm that may arise.
Numerous well-researched studies have concluded that pet owners suffer significantly fewer health problems – particularly depression and heart disease – than non-owners. Given that about half the population have pets in their household, the positive effects of their existence must be enormous.
Green should accept that even in terms of his cold-hearted logic, the responsible keeping of pets should be encouraged.
Aberdeen, UK
