The goal of this work is to investigate the role of companion animals for a more sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet.
The goal of this work is to investigate the role of companion animals for a more sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet.
SLU’s mission statement states that “Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet”. Can companion animals contribute to the fulfilment of this Ruminants’ impact on the climate, the use of antibiotics for farm animals and its consequences for resistance development, the importance of grazing animals for biodiversity – farm animals are often highlighted in sustainability discussions. But the role of companion animals is seldom questioned from social, environmental and economic sustainability perspectives. development?
A thesis project in this topic can be carried out in many different ways, but I foresee that data are collected from the literature, as well as through interviews with experts. Surveys to pet owners could also be relevant. Positive and negative consequences of companion animals for a more sustainable societal development and good living conditions should be identified. Scientific literature on sustainable use of companion animals is scares, but studies on farm animals can be discussed in parallel to the companion animals. Describing goal conflicts is part of this thesis project.
The thesis project can be very broad (several animal species and many aspects of sustainability) or more narrow, according to the student's interests. An example of a hypothesis for a narrower thesis project is: "It is more sustainable to have small dogs than large dogs". The comparison between small and large dogs could include feed consumption and the climate and environmental effects of feed production, antibiotic consumption, the dog's importance to the dog owner's health, personal finances, etc.
Depending on which specialization the student chooses, I will look for a co-supervisor.
Suitable for: Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Biology.