27 Nov, 2023 @ 13:24
1 min read

There are more registered dogs than CHILDREN in Spain’s Andalucia – and here’s why

THEY say dogs are man’s best friend, and in the southernmost Spanish region of Andalucia, the old adage seems to be backed up by statistics. 

There are 1,374,000 dogs registered in Andalucia, according to the latest figures from the Spanish Network of Registered Animals (REIAC). 

Meanwhile, there are only 1,071,000 children under 14 in the region (Spanish Institute of National Statistics), meaning dogs outnumber children by almost 30%. 

The phenomenon is believed to be down to low birth rates, the aging population and changing values. 

While a furry friend is a responsibility it does not compare to the lifestyle changes and economic strain of having children. 

According to research by SafeWise, a dog will cost $1082, or €987.99 in the first year. 

In comparison, a baby costs almost four times as much coming in at $3739, or €3414.12. 

It comes after data from ConsumerAffairs revealed 58% of millennials prefer keeping pets to having children, a number which jumps to 63% for cat owners. 

As the cost of living continues to rise, the number of young people choosing dogs over children may also increase.

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Yzabelle Bostyn

Yzabelle Bostyn is an NCTJ trained journalist who started her journalistic career at the Olive Press in 2023.
Before moving to Spain, she studied for a BA in English Literature and Hispanic Studies at the University of Sheffield.
After graduating she moved to the university’s journalism department, one of the best in the UK.
Throughout the past few years, she has taken on many roles including social media marketing, copywriting and radio presenting.
She then took a year out to travel Latin America, scaling volcanoes in Guatemala and swimming with sharks in Belize.
Then, she came to the Olive Press last year where she has honed her travel writing skills and reported on many fantastic experiences such as the Al Andalus luxury train.
She has also undertaken many investigations, looking into complex issues like Spain’s rental crisis and rising cancer rates.
Always willing to help, she has exposed many frauds and scams, working alongside victims to achieve justice.
She is most proud of her work on Nolotil, a drug linked to the deaths of many Brits in Spain.
A campaign launched by Yzabelle has received considerable support and her coverage has been by the UK and Spanish media alike.
Her writing has featured on many UK news outlets from the Sun to the Mail Online, who contracted her to report for them in Tenerife on growing tourism issues.
Recently, she has appeared on Times Radio covering deadly flooding in Valencia.

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