The RSPCA found that 20% of people would consider owning a robotic animal.
Kai Wei reports.
Kai Wei reports.
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00:00The RSPCA are trying to save the future of living animals, as they've found more people want robotic pets rather than real ones.
00:07We spoke to a representative of the RSPCC earlier on our morning show.
00:11We're a nation of animal lovers here in the UK and obviously across Kent as well,
00:16and we really want people to tell us their views around what they think are the big issues affecting animals.
00:22There's different strands you can get involved with, from animals and technology to how we use animals,
00:28so for example how we use animals in sports and entertainment, farming and wildlife.
00:33They did a poll where they found 26% of people in the UK would consider adding a robotic pet to their family.
00:39This rose to 42% for those aged 25 to 34.
00:43We're worried that animal welfare issues will be pushed to the sideline,
00:47and we'll get progress, for example we've got the Renters Reform Bill going through Parliament at the moment,
00:52which would enable people who rent to be able to keep pets, which is fantastic.
00:57So there's progress on some issues, but there's so many issues affecting animals and we just don't want them to be forgotten.
01:02We also asked people on the streets of Rochester what they thought about replacing their beloved pets.
01:07Well that's really barbaric. Robotic animals instead of real ones.
01:13We've got a cat and there's no way we would swap him. No way.
01:18You can't beat the real thing. How could a robot love you like a cat, a real cat or a real dog, rabbit, guinea pig, any pet?
01:26You know, it's not the same as the real thing, is it?
01:28I mean, one day artificial intelligence could turn against humanity.
01:33Some mixed opinions there, but many are still insistent on keeping their furry companions.
01:38Kaiwei, for KMTV.