The Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) is delighted to announce that its 2019 conference, ‘Companion Animals and Us: One Welfare’, is now open for registration. To be held on Saturday 21 September 2019 at The College of Animal Welfare in Cambridgeshire, if you are passionate about the relationship between humans and animals, this conference is for you!
This year’s event explores the concept of ‘One Welfare’; the idea that animal welfare, human wellbeing and the environment are all intrinsically linked, and that interactions between them should be to the benefit of all. Talks on thought provoking, and sometimes controversial, topics will provide a platform for an afternoon of workshop discussions; giving an opportunity for sharing ideas and networking with fellow delegates.
The keeping of companion animals, whether as pets or assistance animals, can provide benefits to people, the community and the animal; certainly many pets enjoy interesting and enjoyable lives and the benefits are reciprocal. However, where the human’s needs and/or perspectives are the main focus, there is potential for decreased welfare of the individual animal; this is just one of the topics that will be addressed by our speakers throughout the day.
This year also marks the 40th Birthday of SCAS and, throughout the conference, we will be celebrating all that SCAS has achieved during this time; indeed SCAS Chairperson, Dr Elizabeth Ormerod, will begin the conference by talking through the history of SCAS. This will set the scene for a great line up of speakers: Dr Anne McBride, Clifford Warwick, Vicki Betton and Debbie Rook; who will be looking at domestic pets, exotic species, and the situation, both in the UK and overseas, in regards to pets and housing.
Prices start at just £45 for students and SCAS members. An early bird rate of £75 is available to non-members until 30 June 2019. Book a place online.