In case you missed it, this excellent study by Proops et al., published in Current Biology, confirms horses can remember human facial expressions. According to the study, horses respond differently, depending on if the person had smiled or frowned previously.
Read the summary and watch the video on New Scientist!
From on January 5th, 2022, Spain started legally recognising pets as sentient beings, rather than property, strengthening the case for couples seeking shared custody of their animals. The legal change of status, from property to sentient being, also means that pets can no longer be abandoned, seized, or mortgaged.
Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, and Portugal already have laws in place that recognise animals as living sentient beings with emotions, so legal proceedings work towards their welfare, and hopefully other countries will follow.
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), in partnership with Zoetis, commissioned the largest international survey to date to gain a deeper understanding of how the human-animal bond is perceived and impacts behaviour among pet owners and veterinarians worldwide. The research shows that the human-animal bond is strong, that pets positively impact their owners’ health, and that stronger bonds are connected to improved veterinary care around the globe.
Key findings from this survey can be accessed here: https://habri.org/international-hab-survey/
Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, Langley, British Columbia, seeks a Veterinary Social Worker:
Continue reading
Are you a landlord or property manager in the UK?
Researchers from the University of Lincoln are investigating possible problems and opportunities of having pet-friendly rental houses and would love to hear your opinions. For more information and/or to take part please access here:
https://lincoln.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/landlords-perspectives-about-pet-friendly-properties-in-th
The Institute for Human-Animal Connection is hiring a full-time coordinator to support their professional development certificate programs, assist with marketing and communications, and provide general office management. This position has a key role in maintaining the Institute’s visibility, engaging stakeholders, and supporting a cohesive team.
Read the full description and apply through PioneerJobs.
Please submit application materials by 4:00 p.m. MST January 31st, 2022.
Questions can be submitted to Arielle Giddens (arielle.giddens@du.edu)
We are so pleased to share the wonderful news that SCAS Trustee Lesley Winton, founder of Fostering Compassion, has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for her services to animal welfare. We are all very proud of Lesley and delighted that her hard work has been recognised in this way, what a great start to 2022!
The International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO) has developed international guidelines on the care, training, and welfare requirements for animal-assisted interventions.
Continue reading