Introduction to Animal Science

Chapter 23:Chapter 23:

Pets and Companion AnimalsPets and Companion Animals

The Human Animal Bond

Formation of the Bond

Claire and Rascal

1. Anthropomorphism

a. familiar communication

b. well-informed about behavior

c. paradox results in anthropomorphism

Formation of the Bond

2. Neoteny

a. physical features

b. vocalizations

c. behavior

Neoteny

Formation of the Bond

3. Allelomimetic Behavior

a. mimic behavior

of social group

b. contributes to

anthropomorphism

Formation of the Bond

Social SupportSocial Support– relaxationrelaxation– shared experiences (bad times)shared experiences (bad times)– reason to move onreason to move on– nostalgianostalgia– long-term relationshipslong-term relationships– rescued animalsrescued animals– symbolicsymbolic

Consequences of the Human Animal Bond

Positive (for humans)Positive (for humans)– increased survival rates in cardiac increased survival rates in cardiac

patientspatients– lowered blood pressure lowered blood pressure – socializing potentials for socializing potentials for

physically disabledphysically disabled

longer survival rates for elderly longer survival rates for elderly retireesretirees

lowered rates of depression lowered rates of depression among elderly persons among elderly persons

fewer physical and psychological fewer physical and psychological symptoms after bereavement symptoms after bereavement

increases in self-esteem for increases in self-esteem for childrenchildren

Positive Consequences (cont)

Relationships form when different Relationships form when different species of animals live in close species of animals live in close association with each other:association with each other:

1.1. mutualisticmutualistic2.2. commensalism commensalism 3.3. parasitism parasitism

Positive Consequences for Animals

Very little objective data available Very little objective data available to describe our relationships with to describe our relationships with companion animals except that companion animals except that most are well cared for.most are well cared for.

Consequences of the Human Animal Bond

Negative (for humans)Negative (for humans)– conspecificsconspecifics

• compete for resources such as compete for resources such as food, territory, mates and social food, territory, mates and social rankrank

– destruction of personal propertydestruction of personal property– physical injuryphysical injury– behavior problemsbehavior problems

separation anxiety is very separation anxiety is very common - common - which is which is evidence an attachment evidence an attachment exists.exists.

damage to livestock and other damage to livestock and other animalsanimals

Negative Consequences for Humans (cont)

Negative Consequences for Animals

bond is not always enduring bond is not always enduring behavioral problems behavioral problems

– often contributed to by owneroften contributed to by owner– aggressionaggression– separation anxietyseparation anxiety– obesityobesity

The companion animal can be The companion animal can be the center of different the center of different concentrations of interest - concentrations of interest -

owner, owner's neighbor, owner, owner's neighbor, the the community, the industry community, the industry and and the animal the animal itself. Each itself. Each

deserves respect and deserves respect and consideration for its interests.consideration for its interests.

Introduction to Animal Science

The EndThe End