Aussies

Treat Their Pets Like Family, New Survey Reveals JEFF GIBBS

Australians have a special bond with their pets, and a recent survey confrms just how deep that connection goes.

According to pet insurer Budget Direct, more than 90% of Australians talk to their dogs and cats as though they were human family members.

In a poll of 1,000 Australians, 93% of respondents admitted to having human-like conversations with their pets, highlighting the strong role these furry companions play in family life. Specifcally, 59% said they regularly spoke to their pets as if they were people, while 34% said they did so occasionally. Only 7% said they never talked to their pets in this way.

“We’ve always known how much Aussies adore their pets, but this survey shows how deeply ingrained they are in our families. The fact that over nine out of ten people talk to their pets like humans speaks volumes about the bond we share,” a Budget Direct spokesperson said.

Why Aussies Chat With Their Pets

The reasons behind this behaviour reveal the emotional connection Australians have with their pets:

• 72%: “My pet is part of my family.”

• 36%: “My pet is like my child or best friend.”

• 32%: “I’m sure they understand me.”

• 28%: “They’re a great listener.”

Beyond conversations, pets are included in other family traditions. 37% of respondents said their pets receive birthday or Christmas presents every year, further cementing their place in the family unit. How Australians Care for Their Pets

The survey also shed light on how Australians prioritize their pets’ comfort and wellbeing:

• 54% of respondents are dog owners, 28% own cats, and 18% have both.

• 32% said their pets share a bed with them or another family member, while 43% provide their pets with their own beds or crates.

• 60% allow their pets on furniture, with another 30% doing so occasionally.

Grooming and Exercise Habits

Dog owners are diligent about keeping their pets active, with 41% walking their dogs daily and 26% every other day. Grooming is also a priority, with 30% grooming weekly, 32% monthly, and 22% every few months.

Pets and Holidays

Despite their importance, pets don’t always come along on family trips. Only 9% of respondents said they always took their pets on holidays, while 34% brought them along when possible. However, 40% said their pets never joined them on trips.

A Central Role in Family Life

The results highlight the pivotal role pets play in Australian households. From shared conversations to special occasions, our pets are not just companions—they’re cherished members of the family.

In accordance with section 152D of the Roads Act 1993, notice is hereby given of the proposed sale of the Crown public roads listed in Schedule 1. If a sale proceeds, the road(s) will cease to be a public road upon transfer of the road to freehold land in accordance with section 152H of the Act.

Schedule 1: • Crown road at Ghinni Ghi within unaddressed property that is east of 1653 Iron Pot Creek Road. (File Ref: 24/13080, Cluster: 673583)

All interested persons are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal to Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure – Crown Lands, PO Box 2215, DANGAR NSW 2309 within twenty-eight (28) days of the date of this advertisement. Any person is entitled to make submissions with respect to the sale or disposal of the road. Please note that submissions may be referred to third parties (such as council or the applicant) for consideration in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009

For the Manager, Divestments

For further enquiries please visit the website roads.crownland.nsw.gov.au or contact Kristy Rizzo by email at kristy.rizzo@crownland.nsw.gov.au quoting fle references above.

NSW Health has issued an urgent warning following the hospitalisation of two individuals in New South Wales from severe opioid overdoses. The cases are linked to fake oxycodone tablets containing nitazenes, an extremely potent and dangerous synthetic opioid.

The counterfeit pills are described as yellow, unmarked round tablets and are being sold as “OxyContin 40 mg.” However, they contain nitazenes, which are far more potent than oxycodone and pose a higher risk of lifethreatening respiratory depression.

The Dangers of Nitazenes Nitazenes are illicit synthetic opioids that can be hundreds of times stronger than oxycodone. Due to their unregulated nature, there is no way to confrm their dosage or contents, even within the same batch, making them highly unpredictable and dangerous.

Dr. Darren Roberts, Medical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre, warned:

“Nitazenes are extremely potent and vary widely in strength. Even small amounts can lead to severe overdose or death.”

Precautions and LifeSaving Measures

• Carry Naloxone: o Available as a nasal spray or injection from participating pharmacies and health services. o Order discreetly from NUAA’s online store or by calling (02) 9171 6650.

This life-saving treatment can temporarily reverse opioid overdoses, including those caused by nitazenes.

• Act Immediately in an Emergency: