Disproportionate allocation of resources to pet animals

In the USA in 1990, the $11 billion pet products industry included increasingly expensive items. For example a store offering mink coats for pet animals had a $1 million business in 1989, with some customers spending $4,000 to $5,000 per year. Pets receive hip replacements, chemotherapy, kidney transplants, and pacemakers. According to a 1991 report, in the USA there are four times as many shelters for pet animals as there are for battered women. Kennels have been constructed offering dog showers, gourmet cooking, deionized air conditioning, personalized room service, and counselling services.