The Blue Cross is to work with charities and the government to promote the benefits of animal ownership on mental health.
The pet charity has published a report on the role animals can play in society, and the barriers to ownership some people face.
Experts on welfare, mental health and loneliness spoke at the launch of the report, on 28 November, the aim of which was to “address how society can benefit from pet ownership and animal interactions and to call for any government to recognise the positive impact animals can have”.
The Blue Cross’s Becky Thwaites told H&H the report is a “conversation-starter”.
“We wanted to gather evidence to prove that animals really have a part to play in society,” she said.
Debbie Matthews’ #GoRacingGreen idea to welcome all people to racing and equestrian events has received much support
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.