Would You Swap Your Pet for A Robot?

22% of people in Yorkshire & Humber would consider ditching pets for robots according to new research from the RSPCA.

A little over one in five people across Yorkshire & the Humber could be set to add a robot pet to their family, reveals the RSPCA - as it calls on people across the country to take part in the "biggest ever" conversation on the future of animal welfare.

The new poll - which will raise question marks about the future role pets may play in society - comes as the RSPCA launches "Animal Futures: The Big Conversation."

According to the new survey for the RSPCA, 22% of people in Yorkshire & the Humber would consider getting a robot pet - below the UK average of 26%.

The idea of getting a robot pet was most popular in London (42%), the West Midlands (34%) and the East Midlands (27%).

But 14% of those in Yorkshire & the Humber think technology or artificial intelligence could replace the role pets have for them - through companionship, comfort and company - slightly above the UK average of 13%.

Across the UK as a whole, millennials (aged 25-34) were most likely to want to add a robot pet to their home (42% v. 26% of all ages); and to see AI replacing their bond with animals like their pets (24% v.13% of all ages).

The way we use technology could change our critical relationship with animals and this is one of the key themes to explore in The Big Conversation. The RSPCA is calling on 10,000 people - including those across Yorkshire & the Humber - to take part in the discussion about the future of animal welfare.

Gemma Hope, the RSPCA's Assistant Director of Policy, Advocacy and Evidence, said:

“Animals’ futures are in our hands. Animals currently face some huge challenges and the decisions we take now will influence the lives animals enjoy in the future and whether they will live better lives or suffer worse welfare.

“That’s why we are launching Animal Futures: The Big Conversation, which we hope will be the biggest ever conversation about animals. This is everyone’s chance to have a say on the world they want to see for animals and humans, and explore how we can create it together.

“The results show that the choices we make could have unintended consequences for the way we see, feel and treat animals - for both good and bad. Animals play a really important role in our lives, and many of us think the bond we have with animals is irreplaceable but these polling results show some younger generations potentially seeing tech replace many of the roles animals currently play in their lives. What would that mean for animals and how we see their welfare?

“We know it takes everyone to create a better world for every animal - and this Big Conversation will look at how society uses animals; the future role of technology; farmed animals and food systems; and animals in the wild. And what people say will really matter. The views of the public will help shape future RSPCA policy and conversations with the UK and Welsh Governments for years to come.”

The RSPCA launched the Animal Futures Project last year with the Wilberforce report which envisaged five possible future scenarios for animals and an interactive game.

The RSPCA believe animal welfare is at a crossroads - with issues such as climate change, the rise of artificial intelligence, and intensive farming posing new challenges for the role of animals in society.

Now, participants in The Big Conversation will get the chance to have their say on the world they want to see for animals and humans on a new dedicated online platform - with the role of technology and AI, meat substitutes like lab grown meat and society's access to nature set to be major talking points.

Technology is progressing rapidly. Robot pets which mimic the appearance and behaviour of real animals; and provide companionship, entertainment and even therapy to their owners; and are already in high demand - with the market size estimated at $1.2 billion in 2022, and growing.

In addition, scientists are already working on machine learning which can decode the communication of animals ranging from pigs to sperm whales.

Gemma added:

“Technology is already changing the way we see and treat animals, from robot pets, to gene editing, and the role of AI in everything from farming to communication with animals.

“We know the role robot pets play in our society can really divide opinion. Many of us think the amazing bond we have with our animals is irreplaceable, but others love the idea of robot pets. While some people see their existence as a threat to our rights to own a real pet, others say they could in future be a solution for people who can’t give a real animal the loving home they need.

“What’s clear is the market for these robots is growing fast, so this is one of many topics we look forward to discussing with the public as part of The Big Conversation. It's so important people sign up, and have their say on animal futures.”

The Big Conversation will initially run to 17 March. After the online conversation, the RSPCA will launch a second phase on 31 March when it will share the initial findings with a group of people, recruited to represent different views across England and Wales, who will join a Citizens' Assembly to discuss issues affecting animal kindness and respect.

The charity says this Assembly will be a "first of its kind".

Gemma said:

“After the Big Conversation is finished, we'll be recruiting members to join a Citizens Assembly that will continue to engage with us on how we create a better world for every kind.

"Citizens' Assemblies are a great way to bring people into the decision-making process, consider diverse perspectives, and promote civic engagement.

“We believe this will be a first of its kind dedicated wholly to animal welfare. The recruited Assembly Members are going to play a massive role in the future of animal welfare in this country, and beyond."

 More information on the Animal Futures project is available on the RSPCA website at https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/latest/animalfutures