Austin No-Kill Impact Study Reflection

After reading the sections highlighted below in the   Austin No-Kill Resolution Economic Impact Study

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,  (Links to an external site.)  please offer a reflection on how pets are connected to community wellness and the economy. 

Here are two key paragraphs from the study to focus on: 

“One Health, a concept collaboratively proposed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Medical Association (AMA), literature documents the ways in which human, non-human animal (henceforth “animal”), and environmental health outcomes can be interconnected. This concept provides a foundation upon which to advocate for policies that promote attention to animal Welfare. Making the case for adopting policies that promote the wellbeing of all living things requires an increase in interdisciplinary engagement that can specifically address the economic and social pressures that bring harm to human populations, animal populations, and the environment alike. A Humane City, as defined by the University of Denver’s Institute for Human-Animal Connection, is characterized by the presence of leadership, institutions, and policies working collaboratively across systems to create and implement sustainable human, animal, and environmental welfare. Animal welfare organizations, specifically local companion animal shelters and rescues, provide an opportunity to understand how one aspect of a Humane City – progressive animal welfare policies – can impact the health and prosperity of a community.”

 

“The costs associated with implementing the Resolution appear to have been  more than offset by a series of economic benefits to the community. The majority of the positive economic impacts result from increased employment within animal services as well as the increased use of pet care and pet retail services. An additional benefit appears to be the positive contribution of Austin’s progressive animal welfare policies to its brand equity. This impact is important as municipalities compete with each other to attract employee demographics that in turn draw new business and new economic growth to their area. Although not included in the final economic impact calculation, the potential impacts of progressive animal welfare policies on larger social and environmental outcomes, including public health, social capital, and community engagement, have important implications for Austin’s ability to promote and sustain the health and well-being of both its human and animal residents.”