There was a time when pets were more than just animals we love. We loved them, in part, because they helped us survive. They performed a function. Whether it was getting rid of pests like mice and rats, guarding the house, or guarding livestock, they pulled their own weight. But times have changed.
A researcher at the Worldwatch Institute, which studies sustainability and environmental data, says pets are a real drag on the world. The group’s analysis says taking care of two dogs in a year uses more food than the average person in the third world gets in the same time. The researcher then points out that pets don’t really serve a purpose other than keeping us company, and as population growth of people and pets grow, there’s going to be a point at which we start competing for food and medicine.
His solution is to change our perception of pets. As we pointed out, most pets used to do some kind of job, and maybe it could be that way again. The researcher says we should start shifting to pets that can provide something: milk, eggs, or genuine protection. Not just a good feeling.
That’s a huge change from what we expect out of pets nowadays. But what’s wrong with it? Kids have to do chores. Grown-ups have to work. So why not the pets? Our Man on the Edge, Robert Wilder, wants to know what you think…
