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15 pages, 2054 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Public Perception of Zoophilic Acts in Hungary

by Szilvia Vetter, Beáta Szilassi and László Ózsvári

Animals 2025, 15(4), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15040465 - 7 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1616

Abstract

This study aimed to assess public perceptions and knowledge of, and attitudes towards, zoophilia in Hungary. Conducted between October and December 2021 with 1753 respondents, the survey revealed significant interest and concern regarding zoophilia. The majority (98.3%) of respondents deemed zoophilia to be [...] Read more.

This study aimed to assess public perceptions and knowledge of, and attitudes towards, zoophilia in Hungary. Conducted between October and December 2021 with 1753 respondents, the survey revealed significant interest and concern regarding zoophilia. The majority (98.3%) of respondents deemed zoophilia to be unacceptable from both health and animal welfare perspectives. Of those surveyed, 98.9% believed that animals possess dignity, and 84.7% felt that zoophilia negatively impacts this dignity. However, awareness of Hungarian legislation on zoophilia was limited, with 38.9% of respondents unaware that such acts are legally prohibited. The survey also highlighted a strong consensus (98.2%) favoring strict penalties for zoophilia. Additionally, the survey uncovered that 14% of respondents had encountered or heard of zoophilic incidents, involving various animals, predominantly dogs. Gender and settlement type significantly influence attitudes toward zoophilic acts, with women and people in capital and major cities being more aware of the legal prohibition and more supportive of strict sanctions. The results underscore a crucial need for enhanced public education on legal standards and ethical considerations regarding zoophilia and suggest a significant gap in understanding and managing the issue, necessitating further research and legislative reforms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Complexity of the Human–Companion Animal Bond)

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12 pages, 249 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Behavioral and Physiological Responses of Therapy Dogs to Animal-Assisted Treatment in an Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Program

by Hao-Yu Shih, François Martin, Debra Ness, Whitney Romine, Taylor L. Peck, Tricia Turpin, Rachael Horoschak, Cindy Steeby, Hannah Phillips, Mary Claypool, Amanda Theuer, Grace M. Herbeck, Jasmine Sexton, Erin Pittman, Erica Bellamkonda, Nikita Maria Ligutam Mohabbat, Sandra A. Lyn, Brent A. Bauer and Arya B. Mohabbat

Animals 2025, 15(2), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15020121 - 7 Jan 2025

Viewed by 2198

Abstract

Therapy dogs have been increasingly incorporated into a variety of medical treatment programs to improve patients’ treatment outcomes and wellbeing. However, research investigating the stress level of therapy dogs in this setting is limited. This is the first randomized–controlled and prospective study that [...] Read more.

Therapy dogs have been increasingly incorporated into a variety of medical treatment programs to improve patients’ treatment outcomes and wellbeing. However, research investigating the stress level of therapy dogs in this setting is limited. This is the first randomized–controlled and prospective study that investigated the wellbeing of therapy dogs in an inpatient stroke rehabilitation program. In this study, 14 therapy dog–handler pairs were embedded in an inpatient stroke rehabilitation program to provide animal-assisted treatment (AAT). These therapy dog–handler pairs actively participated in stroke rehabilitation by walking with the patient, playing fetch with the patient, and being petted/brushed by the patient, amongst various other AAT activities. To measure canine stress responses during the rehabilitation sessions, salivary cortisol and oxytocin concentrations, heart rate and heart rate variability, tympanic membrane temperature, and a behavioral evaluation were recorded before and after interactions with the patient. The results demonstrated that therapy dogs had significantly decreased heart rate and increased heart rate variability after the AAT session. Right tympanic temperature significantly increased after the session, but there was no significant difference in terms of salivary cortisol or oxytocin levels, nor in stress-related behavioral evaluations after the AAT session. Taken together, the results suggest that incorporating AAT into an inpatient stroke rehabilitation program did not induce stress in the therapy dogs, and that the therapy dogs may have been more relaxed after the session. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Complexity of the Human–Companion Animal Bond)

17 pages, 1156 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Attachment to Pets Among Owners of Cats and Dogs Using the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS) in the Basque Country

by Eider Egaña-Marcos, Olatz Goñi-Balentziaga and Garikoiz Azkona

Animals 2025, 15(1), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15010076 - 1 Jan 2025

Viewed by 2664

Abstract

The relationship between humans and their pets has long fascinated researchers, particularly in exploring how attachment varies according to the type of pet. Cats and dogs exhibit unique behavioral and social traits that influence the dynamics of human–pet relationships. Moreover, specific human characteristics [...] Read more.

The relationship between humans and their pets has long fascinated researchers, particularly in exploring how attachment varies according to the type of pet. Cats and dogs exhibit unique behavioral and social traits that influence the dynamics of human–pet relationships. Moreover, specific human characteristics have been found to affect this attachment. Our study examines the human factors that influence pet attachment among cat and dog owners in the Basque Country, located in northern Spain. By investigating these elements, our research aims to enhance the understanding of how human factors shape the human–animal bond. The study included a total of 202 participants, of whom 66.8% were dog owners, and 74.8% identified as women, with ages ranging from 18 to 74 years. Consistent with many previous studies, our results indicate that attachment is generally stronger with dogs compared to cats and that owner’s characteristics such as being female, younger, not living with children, and the amount of time spent with pets on weekends are linked to stronger attachments to pets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Complexity of the Human–Companion Animal Bond)

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21 pages, 2794 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variations in Canine Behavioural Characteristics across Conventional Breed Clusters and Most Common Breed-Based Public Stereotypes

by Barbara Peťková, Lenka Skurková, Martin Florian, Monika Slivková, Zuzana Dudra Kasičová and Jana Kottferová

Animals 2024, 14(18), 2695; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14182695 - 17 Sep 2024

Viewed by 2969

Abstract

Dog breeds are grouped based on scientific agreement, whether for traditional reasons or specific tasks during their domestication. Discrepancies may occur between public views of breed behaviour and actual evidence. This research aims to investigate differences in five behavioural traits (aggression towards people, [...] Read more.

Dog breeds are grouped based on scientific agreement, whether for traditional reasons or specific tasks during their domestication. Discrepancies may occur between public views of breed behaviour and actual evidence. This research aims to investigate differences in five behavioural traits (aggression towards people, aggression towards animals, fearfulness, responsiveness to training, and activity/excitability) by using the Dog Personality Questionnaire (DPQ) across six conventional groups/clusters of dog breeds (herding, hunting, guarding, companion dogs, potentially aggressive breeds, and mixed-breed dogs) and to assess hypotheses derived from common public presumptions. A cohort of 1309 dog owners sourced through diverse online platforms took part in the study. Contrary to stereotypes, the findings indicate that breeds labelled as “potentially aggressive” display lower levels of aggression compared to guarding breeds (χ² (5) = 3.657, p = 0.041) and mixed-breeds (χ² (5) = 3.870, p = 0.002). Additionally, mixed-breed dogs exhibited the highest levels of fearfulness among the six conventional clusters. In terms of aggression and gender, males demonstrated higher aggression levels towards both humans and animals compared to females (p = 0.001). These results challenge established assumptions and emphasise the necessity of evidence-based methodologies in the assessment of canine behaviour. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Complexity of the Human–Companion Animal Bond)

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12 pages, 237 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Attachment as the Catalyst for the Attribution of Complex Cognition and Emotion to Companion Cats

by Jennifer Vonk and Esther M. C. Bouma

Animals 2024, 14(14), 2123; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14142123 - 21 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2222

Abstract

Companion cat caregivers ascribe complex emotions and cognitions to their cats, and these attributions are greater with a stronger attachment to their animals. We compared attributions of emotional and cognitive complexity to cats in cat caregivers and non-caregivers. We measured attitudes toward animals, [...] Read more.

Companion cat caregivers ascribe complex emotions and cognitions to their cats, and these attributions are greater with a stronger attachment to their animals. We compared attributions of emotional and cognitive complexity to cats in cat caregivers and non-caregivers. We measured attitudes toward animals, belief in animal minds, caregivers’ strength of attachment, and attachment style with a particular companion cat in 448 university students, of whom 251 had owned a cat. We asked the extent to which respondents thought that cats were capable of expressing primary and secondary emotions and cognitive capabilities. Caregivers significantly differed from non-caregivers only in the attribution of primary emotions. Belief in animal minds predicted the attribution of secondary emotions and cognition. For caregivers only, avoidant attachment style was negatively associated with the attribution of primary emotions, whereas attachment strength was positively associated with the attribution of secondary emotions and cognition. These abilities may have greater discriminatory power as most respondents ascribe primary emotions to cats, perhaps for anthropomorphic reasons. Housing conditions (indoor and outdoor) were not associated with attributions, suggesting that bonds are more important than time spent together within the home in predicting the attribution of emotional and cognitive complexity in cats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Complexity of the Human–Companion Animal Bond)

14 pages, 991 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Associations between Human–Companion Animal Relationship Duration, Companion Animal Life Stage, and Relationship Quality

by Annalyse Ellis, Steve Loughnan, Roxanne D. Hawkins and Sarah C. E. Stanton

Animals 2024, 14(11), 1606; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14111606 - 29 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2294

Abstract

Although many companion animal (or “pet”) owners report that their relationships with their pets are important, we know little about how animal ownership duration and animal life stage are related to relationship quality. In a sample of 1303 dog and cat owners, the [...] Read more.

Although many companion animal (or “pet”) owners report that their relationships with their pets are important, we know little about how animal ownership duration and animal life stage are related to relationship quality. In a sample of 1303 dog and cat owners, the present research explored the associations between relationship duration, pet life stage (puppy/kitten, young adult, mature adult, and senior), and four markers of relationship quality: pet-related self-expansion, perceived pet responsiveness, perceived pet insensitivity, and human–animal bond. We found that relationship duration was negatively and linearly associated with self-expansion for both dog and cat owners. Results comparing relationship quality markers across pet life stages revealed that for both dog and cat owners, self-expansion was higher for owners of younger animals compared to owners of older animals. There were no significant effects for perceived pet responsiveness, perceived pet insensitivity, or human–animal bond based on relationship duration or animal life stage. These findings indicate that the duration of the relationship with one’s pet and animal life stage have implications for how much people feel a pet helps them grow, whereas other markers of human–pet relationship quality likely vary based on other experiences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Complexity of the Human–Companion Animal Bond)

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11 pages, 1168 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Where Do They Come From and Where Do They Go? Socioeconomic Patterns in Dog Acquisition and Rehoming

by Tom Kremer and Sue M. Neal

Animals 2024, 14(9), 1378; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091378 - 3 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2550

Abstract

This research examines the ways people acquire dogs in the US as well as the ways the dogs leave the household and the way these differ by income level in seven geographically diverse study communities. A web-based panel survey was distributed and received [...] Read more.

This research examines the ways people acquire dogs in the US as well as the ways the dogs leave the household and the way these differ by income level in seven geographically diverse study communities. A web-based panel survey was distributed and received 6318 responses. Individuals were asked a series of demographic and socioeconomic questions as well as how they acquired their current dogs, how previous dogs left their household, and where they left to. The results indicate that the likelihood of acquiring a dog through friends and family decreased monotonically as income increased, while the opposite was observed for adopting and purchasing a dog. The likelihood of giving a dog away to a friend or family member also decreased as income increased, as opposed to shelter surrender—a person earning over USD 100,000 annually was more than four times likelier to surrender to a shelter than a person earning under USD 15,000. The results suggest a stronger reliance on informal social networks in lower-income communities for both obtaining and placing dogs. As these dogs would otherwise end up in the shelter system, animal shelters may support low-income pet owners to help keep their dogs within their community of care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Complexity of the Human–Companion Animal Bond)

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Review

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13 pages, 679 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Mechanisms of Social Attachment Between Children and Pet Dogs

by Olivia T. Reilly, Leah H. Somerville and Erin E. Hecht

Animals 2024, 14(20), 3036; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14203036 - 20 Oct 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4252

Abstract

An increasing body of evidence indicates that owning a pet dog is associated with improvements in child health and well-being. Importantly, the degree of the social bond between child and dog may mediate the beneficial outcomes of dog ownership. The formation of social [...] Read more.

An increasing body of evidence indicates that owning a pet dog is associated with improvements in child health and well-being. Importantly, the degree of the social bond between child and dog may mediate the beneficial outcomes of dog ownership. The formation of social bonds is an intrinsically dyadic, interactive process where each interactor’s behavior influences the other’s behavior. For this reason, it is critical to evaluate the biological mechanisms of attachment in both children and their pet dogs as a socially bonded pair. Here, we review the physical, mental, and emotional outcomes that are associated with pet dog ownership or interaction in children. We then discuss the evidence that suggests that the strength of a social bond between a child and their pet dog matters for maximizing the beneficial outcomes associated with pet dog ownership, such as possible stress-buffering effects. We review the existing literature on the neural and endocrinological mechanisms of social attachment for inter-species social bonds that form between human children and dogs, situating this emerging knowledge within the context of the mechanisms of intra-species bonds in mammals. Finally, we highlight the remaining open questions and point toward directions for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Complexity of the Human–Companion Animal Bond)

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