introduction to animal science chapter 23: pets and companion animals
TRANSCRIPT
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