Pet Craze in Kashmir , caution needed
News Kashmir Analysis
Pet craze is growing in entire country and Kashmir is no exception.
Over the past few years,
Pet food has emerged as one of the fastest growing segments in the Indian FMCG sector as more people have opted to keep pets in country to fight stress and boredom.
Related businesses such as grooming the pet , pet supplies and hospitality, too, witnessed a surge in growth during the period as millions of Indians brought in new pets.
Over the past few years , the demand for pet foods and pets is seeing a sharp increase in Kashmir valley too.
The reality is during all these years the Kashmir also saw a steep increase in the number of pet owners over the past few years.
But this comes with caution too.
Between April 2023 and March 2024, the Anti Rabies Clinic (ARC) at SMHS Hospital documented 8,652 bite cases. These included 5,386 dog bite cases, 2,844 cat bite cases, 27 monkey bite cases, 95 cow bite cases, 14 bear bite cases, 12 wild boar bite cases, and 294 other bite cases involving leopards, jackals, eagles, and more.
With Doctors suggesting owing a pet to keep depression at bay many in Kashmir are buying pets.
According to a 2015 study by Medecins Sans Frontieres and the Srinagar-based Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), nearly one in five people in Kashmir show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. A 2016 study published by the institute and ActionAid estimated that 11% of the population had a mental health disorder, substantially higher than the national average of around 7%.
Many are stating that this growing pet craze is a positive development and should not be entirely discouraged .
Expert pulse opine many health benefits of owning a pet. They can increase opportunities to exercise, get outside, and socialize. Regular walking or playing with pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. Pets can help manage loneliness and depression by giving us companionship. Most households in the United States have at least one pet.
Studies have shown that the bond between people and their pets is linked to several health benefits.
But the need of current time amid this growing pet craze is that Before adopting a new pet, make sure that it is the right one for you and your family. Do some research beforehand about the specific needs of the animal. Ask yourself these questions before getting a pet:
How long will this animal live? What does the pet eat?
How much exercise does the pet need?
How large will it become?.
Do we have proper space and hygiene cautions to keep pet?
We are seeing now throughout the length and breadth of Kashmir growing craze for having pets and thus many outlets selling pets have been opened .
The need of the hour is to have pets but with proper research, especially the need to maintain proper hygiene and cleanness.
