Therapy Animals and Mental Health

That the Parliament recognises the importance that pets and therapy animals have for the support of good mental health; notes that pets and therapy animals are widely recognised as having a motivating effect on many who have poor mental health and can be used effectively to tackle the effects of depression and social isolation, and has also been shown to have a positive effect on children and young people affected by ADHD and autism; congratulates the many organisations throughout Scotland who have used pets and therapy animals to support their service users, and welcomes the news that many public buildings and workplaces throughout Scotland now welcome animals on their premises to promote good mental health.