An Australia Institute say Australians spent "more than $2.2 billion was spent on pets in 2003" and "Australia has the highest number of pets per household in the world with six out of every 10 households owning a pet", as reported today in Brisbane Times. Here's more from their story:

Australians love their pets, and animal owners are happy to splash their cash to prove their devotion with one survey showing that Australia spends more on pets annually than on foreign aid.

According to the Australia Institute more than $2.2 billion was spent on pets in 2003 compared to the Federal Government's foreign aid assistance of less than $2 billion.

The institute's report, titled Over-consumption of Pet Food in Australia, points the finger at such designer pet items as diamond jewellery for dogs, gourmet cat food, sleeping bags for ferrets and breath freshener for animals as the reason for the increase in spending.

Australia has the highest number of pets per household in the world with six out of every 10 households owning a pet.

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