But whatever you do, don't call them pets, says the head of an animal rights organisation. Ingrid Newkirk, the president of PETA, said this is derogatory and suggests they are merely a 'commodity' or 'decoration'. The group – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals – has long called for owners to be renamed 'human carers' or guardians. It is estimated almost 45 per cent of UK households have a pet – about 51million animals – mainly dogs. The group – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals – has long called for owners to be renamed 'human carers' or guardians.

Source: Daily Mail January 31, 2020 22:38 UTC