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Articles 1 - 30 of 121
Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Third International Humane Dog Population Management Conference, Andrew N. Rowan
The Third International Humane Dog Population Management Conference, Andrew N. Rowan
WellBeing News
The third International Conference on humane dog management, organized by the International Coalition on Companion Animal Management (ICAM) was held in Mombasa, Kenya in September 2019. There were a range of excellent presentations including one from Sri Lanka on dog management and rabies vaccination in Negombo and another reviewing progress on rabies control globally.
Animal Welfare And The Un’S Sustainable Development Goals (Sdgs), Beth Allgood
Animal Welfare And The Un’S Sustainable Development Goals (Sdgs), Beth Allgood
WellBeing News
In 2005, the UN agreed on a set of seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that included goals for Life in Water (SDG 15) and Life on Land (SDG 15). While these two goals provide an opening to address animal conservation and welfare, the International Fund for Animal Welfare has argued that the inclusion of animal welfare and conservation is vital for the successful achievement of the SDGs.
Third African Animal Welfare Conference, Andrew N. Rowan
Third African Animal Welfare Conference, Andrew N. Rowan
WellBeing News
One of the major themes at the Third Africa Animal Welfare Conference in Addis Ababa in 2019 was the status of donkeys in Africa and the critical support they provide to poor families on the continent. But Chinese demand for ejaio (a gelatin preparation made from donkey hides) is threatening populations of donkeys across Africa.
Thriving Together: A New Initiative Combining Conservation And Family Planning Needs, Kathryn Lloyd
Thriving Together: A New Initiative Combining Conservation And Family Planning Needs, Kathryn Lloyd
WellBeing News
The Margaret Pyke Trust launched the Thriving Together campaign, supported by over 150 large and small organizations (including some UN agencies) to build a movement “to change global policy to recognize the importance of removing barriers to family planning as an appropriate cause for conservationists to embrace, for the sake of their missions, for the lives of women and children and for a better world.”
Attitudes To Wildlife, Andrew N. Rowan
Attitudes To Wildlife, Andrew N. Rowan
WellBeing News
Studies of USA public attitudes to wildlife span over forty years beginning with Kellert's 1976 report and attitudes typology. A recent report documents continuing declines in Utilitarian and Traditionalist values with a corresponding increase in Mutualism (live in harmony/coexistence with wildlife).
Developing Partnerships To End Dog And Cat “Homelessness”, Andrew N. Rowan
Developing Partnerships To End Dog And Cat “Homelessness”, Andrew N. Rowan
WellBeing News
Pet food and other pet products are a thriving business across the world but there are still millions of dogs and cats living on the streets without regular access to food and veterinary care. It will take time and money to end pet "homelessness" but the trends are moving in that direction.
How Many Dogs Are In A Particular Place Or Region?, Andrew N. Rowan
How Many Dogs Are In A Particular Place Or Region?, Andrew N. Rowan
WellBeing News
Over the years, it has always been something of a surprise that so little attention has been given to a better understanding of dog (and cat) demographics in human society. There is a large variation in the results from different surveys with the reported percentage of US households with pets ranging from 49% to 68%.
Plastic Waste And Environmental Health, Andrew N. Rowan
Plastic Waste And Environmental Health, Andrew N. Rowan
WellBeing News
The ocean plastics issue is not just an issue for European citizens. It is a worldwide problem and a movement that has exploded into public consciousness in just the last few years. In May, 2019, 186 countries signed a legally binding agreement dubbed the “Norwegian amendment” to track and limit the trade of lower-quality, mixed and contaminated plastics.
Becoming The Good Shepherds, Eze Paez
Becoming The Good Shepherds, Eze Paez
Animal Sentience
It is very important that we clarify what we owe to nonhuman animals. To that end, we need a better understanding of animal cognition and emotion. Marino & Merskin’s target article is a welcome contribution to this project. Sheep, like most other animals, are sentient beings with interests of their own. It is wrong to discriminate against them based on species-membership or cognitive sophistication. We are morally required not to harm them, and to help them have the best possible lives, just as we would be in the case of human beings with similar interests. We must become the good …
The Kabul Dog Project, Abdul Jalil Mohammadzai, Andrew N. Rowan
The Kabul Dog Project, Abdul Jalil Mohammadzai, Andrew N. Rowan
WellBeing News
The Mayhew, a London-based animal charity, started its Kabul dog management project in 2015 by conducting a survey of the dog population over February and March of 2015. It was estimated that there were 9,625 observable street dogs in these surveyed districts which translated to a total of around 27,000 street dogs in the city. The survey was followed by an intensive rabies vaccination program.
Human-Dog Interactions & Municipal Policy, Andrew N. Rowan
Human-Dog Interactions & Municipal Policy, Andrew N. Rowan
WellBeing News
In 2009, a nationwide survey in Bosnia asking people about the threats in their local communities found that some communities were concerned about roaming dogs (rather than mine fields, crime or some other social ill). More specifically, the complaints mentioned dog attacks on people and domestic livestock. A Humane Community Development project in seven municipalities in Bosnia in 2013 proved very successful. The project has been very successful with reports of not only a significant reduction in roaming dogs and related problems but also greater citizen engagement with one another leading to improved civic cooperation both within and between the …
Are Our Ideas About Octopus Life Too Anthropomorphic To Help?, Kenneth J. Aitken
Are Our Ideas About Octopus Life Too Anthropomorphic To Help?, Kenneth J. Aitken
Animal Sentience
Our understanding of the evolution and ontogeny of the octopus and its behavioral repertoire in its natural habitat remains rudimentary at best. There are many parallels, but also just as many differences from our models of human biology and ontogeny, making anthropocentric generalizations of limited use in explanation.
The Intrinsic Value Of Nature, Joanna E. Lambert
The Intrinsic Value Of Nature, Joanna E. Lambert
Animal Sentience
Treves et al. explain the need to preserve the rights of nonhuman species, human youth, and future generations. Although conservation biology has claimed to have an intrinsic valuation ethic since its inception in the 1980s, many aspects of the field have taken a decidedly anthropocentric and instrumentalist trajectory. This has important consequences for conservation-related policy and practice at all scales: local, regional, and global.
Taking Darwinism Seriously, Carsta Simon
Taking Darwinism Seriously, Carsta Simon
Animal Sentience
Chapman & Huffman propose that dropping the categorical distinction between human and nonhuman animals may reduce the atrocious acts of humans towards nonhuman animals, but will it? Taking Darwinism seriously means accepting physical and behavioral continuity across species, including the capacity to feel pain.
Intelligence, Complexity, And Individuality In Sheep, Lori Marino, Debra Merskin
Intelligence, Complexity, And Individuality In Sheep, Lori Marino, Debra Merskin
Animal Sentience
Domestic sheep (Ovis aries) are among the earliest animals domesticated for human use. They are consumed worldwide as mutton, hogget, and lamb, kept as wool and milk producers, and used extensively in scientific research. The popular stereotype is that sheep are docile, passive, unintelligent, and timid, but a review of the research on their behavior, affect, cognition, and personality reveals that they are complex, individualistic, and social.
Sacrificial Lambs, Clive Phillips
Sacrificial Lambs, Clive Phillips
Animal Sentience
Sheep evolved from the mouflon as mountain animals, able to escape predation by leaping between rock ledges. Their defense was their agility. Humans brought them to the plains, where the agility was less useful, but their lack of aggression, speed or weaponry against predators made them a prime target to become one of man’s meat providers. A perfect animal in many ways, with extraordinary perceptive powers and some remarkable cognitive skills, they are often treated with complete disregard for their welfare. Yet sheep themselves won’t tell us this, for a sheep that alerted others to its weakness really would be …
The Intelligence Of Sheep, David Gamez
The Intelligence Of Sheep, David Gamez
Animal Sentience
This commentary suggests how recent theories about the predictive brain could help us understand the evidence put forward by Marino & Merskin for intelligence in sheep. I contrast predictive intelligence in sheep with automatic behaviors that do not require intelligence, and I consider the flexibility of sheep intelligence.
Adding Sheep To The Spectrum Of Comparative Psychology, James King
Adding Sheep To The Spectrum Of Comparative Psychology, James King
Animal Sentience
Marino & Merskin’s comprehensive review of cognitive complexity in sheep is a laudable and important contribution to comparative psychology. It is also valuable because it shows promising directions for future research on this neglected species. The relatively small number of neurons in the bovid cerebral cortex indicates that sheep cognitive performance on traditional measures of complex learning is limited. Nevertheless, the social and emotional complexity of sheep underscores the importance of further research into domains including personality and psychological well-being.
Science, Social Critique, And The Need For Ethics, Peter Woodford, Alecia Carter
Science, Social Critique, And The Need For Ethics, Peter Woodford, Alecia Carter
Animal Sentience
Marino & Merskin’s target article on the cognitive and psychological capacities of sheep commendably aims to use science to critique human practice. However, the article fails to make specific recommendations about how human-sheep relations should change going forward. We also underscore two problematic assumptions highlighted by other commentators: (1) that cognitive complexity is important to the case for the moral status of non-human animals and (2) that the way humans use and treat animals is caused by our conception of animals’ capacities. Scientists should engage more with philosophy and ethical theory to articulate the implications of animal capacities for human …
What We Don't Know About Cephalopods And How To Define It, Catia Correia Caeiro
What We Don't Know About Cephalopods And How To Define It, Catia Correia Caeiro
Animal Sentience
Despite the reputation of octopuses as intelligent animals, their cognitive abilities seem to be mostly unknown. This should be the starting point of a long process of scientific enquiry about these taxa, which must include discussions on operational definitions first and foremost. Discussing octopus mind might prove fruitless without more basic concepts. Some approaches are suggested here.
Sentience Is The Foundation Of Animal Rights, Michael L. Woodruff
Sentience Is The Foundation Of Animal Rights, Michael L. Woodruff
Animal Sentience
Chapman & Huffman argue that the cognitive differences between humans and nonhuman animals do not make humans superior to animals. I suggest that humans have domain-general cognitive abilities that make them superior in causing uniquely complex changes in the world not caused by any other species. The ability to conceive of and articulate a claim of rights is an example. However, possession of superior cognitive ability does not entitle humans to superior moral status. It is sentience, not cognitive complexity, that is the basis for the assignment of rights and the protections under the law that accompany them.
More Evidence Of Complex Cognition In Nonhuman Species, Lesley J. Rogers
More Evidence Of Complex Cognition In Nonhuman Species, Lesley J. Rogers
Animal Sentience
Chapman & Huffman have highlighted observations of animals performing, in nature, complex behaviour once thought to be unique to humans. Just as relevant to their argument are examples of cognition shown by domesticated species tested in controlled conditions. These strengthen the case for human/nonhuman similarities in behaviour and cognition. Recent research has brought to our attention the ability of nonhuman species to perform many tasks previously considered to be the hallmark of humans. Even though different species may use different ways of solving these tasks, the very fact that they can do it undermines the notion of human superiority.
Unique In Degree Not Kindness, Jennifer Vonk
Unique In Degree Not Kindness, Jennifer Vonk
Animal Sentience
Humans are certainly unique among living species. This is evident in the transformation of human environments and its resulting impact on other animals. However, many of the traits unique to humans are costly as well as adaptive and should certainly not be used to elevate their status above that of other species.
Animal Sentience Is Not Enough To Motivate Conservation, Irene M. Pepperberg
Animal Sentience Is Not Enough To Motivate Conservation, Irene M. Pepperberg
Animal Sentience
Chapman & Huffman suggest that humans’ views of their own superiority are a source of their callousness toward the environment. I do not disagree but point to a number of other issues that must be addressed for conservation efforts to succeed.
Pulling The Wool From Our Eyes, Jennifer Vonk
Pulling The Wool From Our Eyes, Jennifer Vonk
Animal Sentience
Marino & Merskin review evidence of the complexity of sheep cognition, concluding that researchers ought to feel sheepish about misrepresenting ovine cognitive capacities. However, the failure to situate the data in critical context risks pulling the wool over readers’ eyes.
Sheep In Aesop’S And Phaedrus’S Fables, Matteo Colombo, Chiara Raucea
Sheep In Aesop’S And Phaedrus’S Fables, Matteo Colombo, Chiara Raucea
Animal Sentience
Sheep feature in various animal fables. Marino & Merskin suggest that “we” view sheep as “docile, passive, unintelligent, and timid,” but animal fables do not support this view. In Aesop’s and Phaedrus’s fables, sheep are a primary target of injustice; but they are not passive targets. Sheep endure injustice actively and honestly. They are intelligent, aware and outspoken about their own condition.
Yes, Sheep Are Smart But The Moral Question Is Still “Can They Suffer?”, Clare Palmer, Peter Sandøe
Yes, Sheep Are Smart But The Moral Question Is Still “Can They Suffer?”, Clare Palmer, Peter Sandøe
Animal Sentience
Sheep may be more complex and intelligent than we traditionally believed, but knowing this is unlikely to change human attitudes to sheep significantly; nor is it strongly relevant to their moral status. However, knowing more about what sheep are like could help to improve sheep welfare.
Cognitive Dissonance About Sheep Cognition And Consumption, Catia Correia Caeiro
Cognitive Dissonance About Sheep Cognition And Consumption, Catia Correia Caeiro
Animal Sentience
Sheep are perceived as mere resources under the massive demand of the food and wool industry. Evidence that sheep cognition is comparable to that of other species may inspire reflection on sheep consumption. Dogs may be a promising comparison species.
What Is Good For An Octopus?, Heather Browning
What Is Good For An Octopus?, Heather Browning
Animal Sentience
Mather (2019) has brought together the current empirical research in support of the claim that octopuses possess minds; and the weight of the evidence does appear to support octopus sentience. Being sentient means an organism has welfare concerns, a subjective experience of life that can go well or poorly. Protecting welfare requires knowing what conditions will have a positive or negative impact. Understanding what is in the mind of an octopus will give us valuable insight into what is good for an octopus.
The Octopus: A Beautiful (But Disorganized) “Mind”, Jon Mallatt
The Octopus: A Beautiful (But Disorganized) “Mind”, Jon Mallatt
Animal Sentience
Mather (2019) presents convincing evidence that octopuses have minds, but in the first 85% of the target article, the evidence does not come through very clearly because it is hidden by other information and by problems with the paper’s organization. I propose ways to build a tighter argument in the author’s Response to the Commentaries.