People are not generally aware of the popularity of pet ownership. Research shows that pets act as companions and protectors, stress relievers and in some cases help to foster family cohesion. While pets are traditionally associated with family-type households, they are just as important to households without children. In an era when the population is ageing and more people are living along, pets can provide valuable relief from loneliness. Urban pet management has been the subject of extensive debate among veterinarians and those involved in local government for some time. Part of the reason is that people complain more readily about other people's pets than ever before. Emphasis on urban consolidation has meant that smaller homes and back gardens and multi-dwelling developments not only discourage people from owing pets but also place greater demands on scarce public open space. Pet owners may face tougher restrictions from either their local council or resident management committee. The term " socially responsible pet ownership" has emerged to describe a set of responsibilities to which pet owners are now expected to adhere. It might be tempting to prescribe different pets for different types of housing. Some people already have firm views about pets and housing type, mostly in relation to dogs, e. g. that the only environment for a dog is in conventional detached housing or that a " big" dog is only suitable in the country. However, suitability is as much dependent on the quality of space as it is on the quantity. A dwelling that overlooks areas of activity is ideal for pets because it increases the amount of stimulation that can be received from the property, e. g. dwellings that overlook a park or are adjacent to a busy street. This is one way to alleviate boredom and the negative behaviors that sometimes result. Preferably a dog should have access to some outdoor space. Open space is not essential for a cat provided an enriching environment is maintained indoors, e. g. a bay window or internal fernery. Ideally dogs should have access to all areas of open space on a property. On the whole a dog's behavior is likely to be better if he or she can see the street. Although the dog may bark at passers-by in the street, there will be less likelihood of excessive barking that might arise through boredom. Providing a dog with surveillance of the street also enhances public security-a very positive benefit. With adequate fencing, a dog will be confined to the property. The standard paling fence will restrain almost all dogs. They are recommended for side and rear boundaries. Furthermore, all gates should be fitted with a return spring self-closing device. Cats are not as easily restrained as dog as they are more agile and have quite different notions of territoriality. Mostly this does not create a problem, although difficulties may arise in environmentally sensitive areas where cats may prey on wildlife. It is recommended that cats be confined to the house at night for their own protection. Owning a pet brings with it responsibilities to which we are increasingly being called to adhere. It is hoped that the guidelines will encourage people to think about pets in decisions about residential and community development. If they do, pet ownership will not be prejudiced by the push for urban consolidation.
判断题
Mark each statement as either true (T) or false (F) according to the passage. Residence with enough open space, such as a country house, is a must for people to keep a pet dog.
判断题
Open space is unnecessary for a cat in a house with an enriching environment because a cat has a strict sense of the boundary of its owner's house.
问答题
______ smaller homes and back gardens and multi-dwelling development not only discourage people from owning pets but also place greater demands on scarce public open space.