ANALYSIS OF CURRENT SITUATION IN AUSTRALIA

Our social issue = Shelters separate homeless people and their pets

Problem = There is currently only shelter available for homeless people without their animals, or shelter for animals without their owners.

Solution = We want to provide a space for homeless people to stay accompanied with their pets.

Why is this important?

There are several factors which cause someone to become homeless (e.g. refer to obesity systems matrix). Some of the causes are related to mental illnesses, which are a result of another issue, or which lead to further issues such as substance abuse. The process is a complex system, and needs to be addressed with this in mind.

We propose the above solution as homeless people should not be separated from their pets as it may assist in their rehabilitation. Their pet may be their only possession, and is also a form of companionship. Homeless people are usually rejected from society, their family and their friends, leading to a very isolated existence. A pet provides them with a purpose, empowers them and encourages them to move out of a lifestyle of homelessness.

PART 1 – LITERATURE REVIEW (900-1000 words)

What are the main research themes/topics/debates?

The following literature review explores the current research themes and conceptual subjects for our social issue:

What is homelessness?

Homelessness has been described as causing significant social exclusion. It is a state in which people are not only excluded from basic shelter, but also from security, a place to belong and intimate relationships (Noble-Carr 2006, p. 38). The result of not having a place to call one’s own’, leads to a compounding set of reinforcing disadvantages ((Talbot, 2003, cited in Noble-Carr 2006, p. 38).

Chamberlain and McKenzie (1999, cited in Noble-Carr 2006, p. 13), identifies the different types of homelessness:

Primary homelessness (people without conventional accommodation, such as those living on the streets).
Secondary homelessness (people who move frequently from one form of temporary shelter to the next, described as couch surfers or those staying in refuges).
Tertiary homelessness (medium to long term boarding house residents).

Pet Vs. animal companion

There has been a consistent reference of the pets of the homeless being more than just a pet, but in fact a companion providing a mutual psychological bond (Walsh 2009, p. 465, cited in Slatter et al. 2012, p. 378). Slatter et all. (2012, p. 377) argued having a pet provided friendship and responsibility and contributed to emotional well being (Slatter et al. 2012, p. 377). Pets are able to mitigate the sense of isolation from others, giving a sense of ‘non judgemental affection’ (Slatter et al. 2012, p. 380).

The concept of pets as social enablers has also been explored, suggesting the presence of animals can put the owner in touch with other people, as it positively and unconsciously modify opinions of others (Slatter et al. 2012, p. 378). Rew’s (2000) research identified that the need to care for an animal appeared to encourage responsibility and good decision making, with companion animals making the difference between just surviving on the streets and integrating back into the community.

The family unit

Newtown (2013) identified that there is a redefinition of family emerging, especially for people who are homeless. As they often lack supportive social networks, their pets can sometimes be their only family and form of social interaction (Newtown 2013). The rise of anthropomorphism towards pets suggests that companion animals have a significant position in the family (Newtown 2013). Walsh (2009) argues that family systems theory also provides a framework for understanding the various roles that pets have in families.

The Australian Companion Animal Council (ACAC 2009, cited in Slatter et al. 2012, p. 378) found that 63% of Australian homes had a pet in 2007 and that families also accounted for 26% of the Australian homeless population in 2006 (Slatter et al. 2012, p. 379). There is therefore a distinct discrimination with inadequate services available for homeless pet owners, who do not consider companion animals a member of the family unit.

The influence on mental and physical health

The type of companionship that pets provide are extremely beneficial to a homeless individual’s well-being (Newtown 2013). Research on the effects of homelessness on mental health and emotional stability show homelessness as a severe stressor that can trigger emotional and psychological issues (Newtown 2013).

Walsh (2009, p. 466) asserts that the effect of pet ownership is mutually beneficial and correlates with positive physiological measures. The act of simply stroking a dog significantly reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels in both the person and the animal, as well as increasing neurochemicals associated with relaxation and improving human immune system functioning (Walsh 2009, p. 466). Velde et al (2005) conducted a study into animal assisted therapy with individuals who had severe mental illness, arguing animals have been effectively used in preoperative settings to reduce anxiety, improve positive attitude and reduce the need for medication (Slatter et al. 2012, p. 378).

Enders-Slegers (2000) indicated that ‘being responsible for the well-being of another living being enhances feelings of self-worth and self esteem’ (Slatter et al. 2012, p. 379). In a study, Slatter et all (2012, p. 381) found that pets provided a form of protection while sleeping rough. Participants discussed the stress of being homeless and that it’s easier to sleep and feel more at ease when protected with an animal companion (Slatter et al. 2012, p. 381).

Animal companions therefore play a vital role in the psychological health of humans by improving motivation, sensory modulation, attention and concentration, social interaction, responsibility and emotional wellbeing (Slatter et al. 2012, p. 379). Pets provide an opportunity to care for “someone” without the complexities of human relationship dynamics which are often dependent on conditional love and approval’ (De Souza 2000, cited in Slatter et al. 2012, p. 379).

Barriers to pet ownership

Homeless people face many barriers to maintaining their ownership of animal companions. They are often presented with the dilemma as to whether to choose accommodation over homelessness to keep their pets (Slatter et al. 2012, p. 381), however Newtown (2013) argues because of institutional policy there is no choice available for homeless people.

There is a lack of shelter for inter-species families, with social services arguably practicing a form of discrimination because of their human-animal status (Newtown 2013). Renters and low-income earners have been described as the population most at risk of animal relinquishment, given the limited options available when seeking new accommodation (Brown and Rhodes 2006, cited in Slatter et al. 2012, p. 378). With only 17% of rental properties in Australia with pets, compared with the national average of two out of three homes, there is a real need to increase the number of pet-friendly accommodation options (ACAC 2009, cited in Slatter et al. 2012, p. 378).

Families experiencing violence are particularly vulnerable to homelessness and family pets are also often threatened with 33% of women have reported delaying leaving a violent relationship due to concern for the welfare of pets, as many women’s refuges do not permit animals (Lee 2008, cited in Slatter et al. 2012, p. 378).

In a sample of 26 participants, the majority shared of having lost animal companions as a direct result of being homeless (Slatter et al. 2012, p. 380). Half of participants identified accommodation policies preventing pets as being a reason for not being able to have a pet (Slatter et al. 2012, p. 380). As a result, there was a strong theme of grief and loss, as well as their anger, loneliness, and decreased emotional well being (Slatter et al. 2012, p. 380).

PART 2 – ANALYSIS OF CURRENT SITUATION IN AUSTRALIA (800 words)

In Australia, the key bodies for providing shelter/services for homeless people include –

For the pets of the homeless in Australia there are the following services/shelters –

https://www.rspcansw.org.au/our-work/programs-community-services/living-ruff

Why should homeless people remain partnered with their pets?