Dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits, they are now an integral part of the lives of millions of households in Western countries.
Today, modern societies give a new place to pets who live alongside humans.
Mamadou Ibra Sy has lived in the United States for several years with his family. This Senegalese native is one of nearly 70% of American households with a pet.
“I chose to have cats at home for several reasons. I have a 9 year old little boy who is often alone, and instead of letting him play video games, I thought it would be helpful to bring a few cats into the house to keep him occupied a little, but also because they are companions who bring a lot to our family,” he confides to the BBC.
The presence of cats in the house is reassuring according to M.Sy.
Known to be loyal and affectionate, cats help maintain or regain a balanced family life. But, raising pets comes at a cost.
Americans spend $75 billion each year on the care of their pets between veterinary care, health insurance, leisure, grooming and feeding, or an average of $1,500 per owner.
Mamadou Sy spends on average $200 per month to feed his cats.
“Yes, it’s very expensive to take care of animals. There is veterinary follow-up, with annual visits to be made. There are vaccines that you are required to take. But you also have to pay for insurance that allows them to receive the care they need from veterinarians, there is also food for pets. Cats in the United States have a very different diet from the diet of humans. Food is very particular and very expensive. For one cat, this can cost you up to almost a hundred dollars every two weeks. And of course it’s not given to just anyone because it’s very expensive.”
Photo credit, BBC / Alassane Dia
In the United States, pets have special treatment. Much more than just pets, they have a profound impact on the well-being of both parents and children. Hence their privileged place and the special treatment they receive.
Mr.Sy believes that the role and place of animals within the family justify all the expenses incurred for their care. “It’s more of an investment, but as we invest in our children, we see dogs as a sort of extension of our family. And this is why we want these animals to have the same respect, the same attention as our own children. “, he said.
For Mamadou Sy, the respect devoted to animals is different from what he experienced in Africa.
“In fact, for the African that I am, there is a big difference in the treatment of animals between Africa and the United States. And that would not, of course, mean that there is no abuse of animal cruelty in the United States. Of course there are, but it's the exception, it's not the rule here, animal protection is very important. So it's not uncommon to see a four-lane highway blocked to allow an animal to pass. There is a sort of privileged relationship between men and animals,'' he explains.
Photo credit, BBC / Alassane Dia
It is common to see cats and dogs wandering the streets without assistance or owners. They are thus often exposed to several dangers (mistreatment, accidents, hunger, etc.).
“Yes, it’s true that it is not uncommon in Africa to see stray animals. And this not only poses risks to the populations themselves, but also it is a risk to the animals themselves. Actually, I wonder why, for example, in our countries we can't create animal shelters similar to what we have here and fund these shelters to allow people to come and adopt the animals and keep them as members. or a sort of extension of their family,” notes M.Sy.
“I think it is the relationship between man and animal that we must change. And the other fact is also that generally, we have no respect today for these domestic animals or most of these domestic animals,” continues Mamadou Sy.
