The University of Lodz is joining the discussion on canine welfare and dog-human relationships, demonstrating that there is room within the academy for socially engaged projects. We invited representatives of institutions related to the dog world, as well as a vigilant observer of dog-human relations, who shares her thoughts with the audience in the form of "Psie Sucharki" to take part in the conversation.
- What should we take into account when deciding to adopt a dog?
- How to choose a breeder carefully so as not to end up in a pseudo-breeding facility where dogs are kept in scandalous conditions on a daily basis?
- What can be done to promote responsible pet care? Can high fees and educational campaigns help?
The shift in attitudes toward dogs over the past two decades is readily apparent – chained kennels are slowly disappearing from the Polish landscape, awareness is growing that prong collars are not a substitute for a collar, and more and more people are training their four-legged friends without the use of aversives. Importantly, they do this not for their own convenience, but for mutual understanding and successful cooperation. Yet shelters in Poland are still overcrowded, which proves that as a society, we have work to do. We're far from achieving collective agreement that dogs aren't toys, shouldn't be unexpected gifts, that they have their own olfactory needs that can't be satisfied by going out to pee in the square outside their apartment building several times a day. And that they don't understand what we say to them in our language until we teach them
– says Dr Bartosz Kałużny, curator of the DOGSPECTIVE project.
NOTE: Before the meeting on 22 October (starting at 5:30 p.m.), we are holding a collection for animals at the Lodz Animal Shelter. We are collecting food (especially specialised pet food), blankets and towels, which will be distributed to animals in need. Accessories such as metal bowls and leashes (non-automatic) are also welcome. However, the shelter does not accept duvets, pillows, mattresses, sponges, rugs, carpets, sleeping bags or clothing. You will find a marked donation box in the lobby of the Biedermann’s Palace. This event precedes the November Psia Kość [Dog’s Bone] campaign, which we will cover in a separate update.
