'MAN'S FORGOTTEN FRIEND': DOGS APPOINTED AS DOMESTICATED COMPANIONS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Abstract

The metaphorical confinement of national lockdowns saw the egocentric adoption of dogs appointed as domesticated companions. While public approval of ‘animal’ welfare legislation and the growing popularity of ‘green’ theory and industry has grown, ‘animals’ are still victim to the consumer and the anthropocentric cultures which promote individual, economic, social, and specifically ‘human’ advancement at all costs. Even though the reasons why ‘animals’ are victimised has been researched, how the pandemic has impacted upon this treatment and consumer culture’s/anthropocentrism’s influence has been somewhat absent within academic discussion. In fact, how the global events of COVID-19 have impacted upon dog treatment, behaviour, health, and wellbeing has been largely absent within coronavirus and green criminological research. Through semi-structured interviews with consumers, ‘animal’ welfare professionals and industry professionals such as veterinarians and breeders, document research and ethnographic observations of dog breeders, this thesis outlines how the pandemic has impacted upon dogs at all stages of their lives (may it be in terms of breeding, training, housing, socialisation, veterinary treatment, or abandonment). Thematic analysis of data was performed, being informed by green criminological theory and ultra-realist understandings of consumer capitalism. Findings indicate the pandemic’s influence in promoting the harmful acquisition of dogs, where their physical and behavioural health, and socialisation have been directly threatened: intensifying the irresponsibility surrounding dog ‘ownership’ and impacting not just the short- but long-term welfare of dogs within English society.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	English
Supervisor	Oliver Smith (Director of Studies (First Supervisor)) & Jason Lowther (Other Supervisor)