Parma becomes the first in the state to recognize pets as part of the family and change a term on all animal-related ordinances.

City Council members approved changing the phrase pet “owner” to pet “guardian” on all animal-related ordinances.

Holy Name High School student Brandon Yanak pushed for the change. “As more people begin to think and act as ‘guardians’ of their animal companions, I expect to see higher levels of animal care and appreciation, thus helping to end many animal-related problems such as people breeding animals and keeping too many in inadequate conditions on their property in Parma,” he said in a news release.
Parma joins 17 other cities in officially recognizing the value of the term “animal guardian” in reference to cherished animal companions.

The Guardian Campaign was created in 1999 by In Defense of Animals (IDA) to reflect and nurture the growing sentiment that “owner” does not reflect the bond that develops between people and animals. IDA believes “guardian” denotes a higher level of responsibility, caring and respect toward the animals with whom families share their lives. They feel as more people use the term “animal guardian” more animals will be adopted instead of purchased, and fewer dogs and cats will be killed in shelters.