ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This undertaking was made possible with the unrelenting Support and concern of the
many people. Who helped and guided the researchers all the way.
First to our ever enthusiastic, very supportive teacher, Novi Ely Dacuycuy, exemplifies
high quality scholarship to which we aspire. In addition. He provided. Timely and
instructive comments and evaluations at every stage of this research.
The overflowing concern, support, love and understanding of our family.
Finally, we know that we are nothing without HIM. Lord Jesus thank you very much.
 ABSTRACT
The purpose of this research was to evaluate the human-animal bond and analyze the
benefits that animals provide in our lives. The study included 135 pet owners, 45 of
whom were males and 90 of whom were females. For this study, quantitative analysis
was used as the research approach. According to the data, dogs were the most
popular choice of pet. Both males and females viewed their dogs to be family
members, with a higher proportion of females claiming that their pets contribute to their
happiness. The studies also revealed that a significantly higher proportion of men
owned cats and reported that they got an animal for protection.Females were more
bonded to their pets, and a higher percentage of females said they would report animal
cruelty, but males knew who to report animal cruelty to.
The limitations of this study are discussed, and suggestions for future research are
made.
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

The human-animal link is a dynamic relationship between humans and animals in which
each influences the psychological and physiological status of the other. Human-animal
connection offers numerous physiological benefits. Children learn to be more nurturing
by witnessing the behavior of animals. Wild, zoo, farm, and companion animals are an
important part of our cultural and socioeconomic environment. welfare and the humane
care of animals is a societal responsibility (Centre For The Human Animal Bond, 2000)
While the concept of animals as companions to humans is ancient, it is only in the last
30 years or so that researchers have begun to study the question of why humans keep
pets. The term “human-animal bond” has come to represent endeavours in this area.
The human animal bond is defined by the American Veterinary Medical Association as
“a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and other animals that
is influenced by behaviours that are essential to the health and well-being of both. This
includes, but is not limited to, emotional, psychological and psychical interactions of
people, other animals and the environment” (AVMA, 2012) The benefits of pet
ownership are both physical and psychological.

Physical Pet owners tend to visit the doctor less often and spend less money on
medication, numerous studies have suggested that dog walking is a great way of
increasing physical activity and may help reduce rates of obesity (Timperio, 2008)

Heart Health - Having a pet decreases blood pressure and lowers the risk of heart
disease and high cholesterol; pet owners can also make a major impact in heart attack
survival rates 28% of heart patients with pets survive heart attacks compared to only 6%
without pets (Heady, 2007)
Allergies- Pets have frequently been cited as a probable cause of asthma and allergies.
growing up with a dog during infancy can help strengthen the immune system and
reduce the risk of allergies linked to asthma (Hesselmar, 1999)
Stress Reduction- Pet ownership reduces stress levels, especially during treatment
sessions. Pets are being used in Animal Assisted treatment in a variety of therapeutic
and institutional settings. (Zilda-Mano, Mikulincer, & R.Shaver, 2011)
Depression- Pet ownership and a deep relationship to a pet are related with significantly
reduced depression in persons who have lost a spouse or loved one. (Daly, 2013)
Mental Health- People with pets are less lonely than those without; elderly people with
pets live longer lives due to increased physical activity, socialization, and mental
function; and children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) can focus on a pet, which
helps them learn how to concentrate. (Podberscek, Paul, & Serpell, 2000)
Security- When walking a dog or sharing a home with a dog, pet owners are less likely
to become victims of crime. Communities that encourage pet ownership reap enormous
benefits in addition to the benefits enjoyed by families and individuals.
Increased Social Engagement- The presence of dogs enhances the frequency and
length of people's discussions with others in the community; also, pets in nursing
facilities increase social and verbal connections among the elderly. (Podberscek, Paul,
& Serpell, 2000)

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The aim of this study was to assess the human-animal bond and investigate the
benefits animals have on our lives. This tends to answer the following questions.
1. What are the human bonds and why is it beneficial to animals?
2. How important is the relationship between people and animals?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to identify the human animal bonds and its benefit.
The secondary objective of the thesis is to identify the important relationship between
people and animal bonds. The study is very significant too, the researchers, pet lovers
and future researchers.
SCOPE AND DELIMITATION
The researchers will focus on determining the benefits of human-animal bonds on
selected pet owners in Tuao. Particularly, it will try to answer the importance of human-
animal relationship
 CHAPTER 2.
LIERATURE REVIEW
This thesis will investigate the human-animal link and provide proof that pets can
improve human health and well-being. Communication with our dogs gives us a lot of
good feelings.
They have been recognized since ancient times to improve the health of their owners.
Cats and dogs, for example, were employed to heal ailments in ancient Greece and
Egypt, and Hippocrates recognized the benefits of equestrian riding. (Podberscek, Paul,
& Serpell, 2000). The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognizes the
beneficial effects of animals on the human body. (WHO, 2013). According to studies,
when a human pats an animal, the pulse rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension all
diminish. Animals have an extremely vital function in our life. The expression "man and
his best friend" has been used throughout history. This represents the intimate link that
exists between a dog and his master. The necessity of protecting herds of animals and
hunting for food has historically bound man and dog together. However, companion
dog numbers surged dramatically after WWII, and it is only since the 1980s that there
has been a shift in the role of the domestic dog, such as an increased involvement in
emotional support for their owners. Until that moment, dogs were just dogs, and they
were treated as such. (Daly, 2013) The longstanding relationship between man and dog
have been shown, a dog jawbone found in Iraq led scientists to believe that dogs were
domesticated over 14,000 years ago (History of the Domestication of Animals, 2012) As
far as we can trace back in history, countless incidents that involved interaction between
animals and humans have been found. They have played various roles in our lives, be
it a friend, companion, benefactor, comforter, protector, raw material for human industry
and more. Furthermore, whether you are an animal lover, animal hater or animal saver
they benefit our lives in some shape or form. Apart from being faithful comrades,
animals have numerous benefits for humans. Trained guide dogs serve as loyal
companions and serve as ‘a pair of eyes’ for the visually impaired. Therapy dogs
provide comfort and support to children with Autism and also people who are terminally
ill. Cutting edge research has been done at the Centre for Human Animal Interaction in
the USA to document the effectiveness of animal assisted therapy, and it appears that
the answer is a definite ‘yes’ (Animal Assisted Therapy, 2013). Pet therapy is being
used worldwide to great effect in nursing homes, care centres and institutions for
mentally and physically impaired residents. Medical alert assistance dogs support
individuals with dangerous health conditions and only recently have they started to train
dogs to identify the odour of cancer (cancer detection dogs), Ovarian, lung and prostate
to be specific. Medical alert assistance dogs can provide people with the courage and
independence to live normal lives. Seizure alert dogs sense the approach of an attack
and protect the owner for serious injury; this in itself is invaluable psychological support
to the person. For single people companion animals are sometimes a welcome relief
from loneliness, and for couples without children pets can be love objects on which they
lavish their parenting urges. Children growing up in a household with an animal, teach
children responsibility and consideration for the needs of another creature and also help
in developing non-verbal communication, empathy and compassion (AACAP, 2008).
The benefits are even more positive when you look at the effects animals have on the
most emotionally vulnerable people in society. Many of the positive benefits are not just
limited to dogs and cats, but rabbits, rodents, birds, fish and lizards. Even though
animals are under-rated and under-appreciated in many walks of life, many see their
true worth. People’s attitudes towards animals vary greatly, for those who cannot or
those who refuse to see their importance do so out of selfishness or ignorance or both.
Do we consider our pets as members of our family?

A study done by Kelton research found that the status of dogs as family members is
changing. Dogs are becoming more important as family members, particularly as
children. 60% of the sample believed that their dogs are currently more important in
their lives than the dogs they had during their childhood. Two out of three also felt that
they are more caring and treat their pet dogs better than did their mother and father.
81% of the survey considered their dog to be truly family members, equal in status to
their children, and 85% considered themselves to be ‘petparents’. It appears that dogs
have become such an important part of the family; owners are beginning to call them
self’s pet-parents. The major finding of the study seems to be that that pet owners or
pet-parents are starting to equate dogs to children. Furthermore, 72% of dog owners
who have children apply the same discipline to the dogs as they do with their children.
Another interesting statistic from this study was 81% of dog parents know their dogs
birthdays and celebrate the occasion by buying him or her a present to mark the day,
they also communicate with their pet as if they were human family members (Coren,
2011).

Benefits of pet ownership for elderly people

Pet ownership is extremely beneficial to the elderly who live alone. They provide
company as well as a connection to the outside world. Loneliness, feelings of isolation,
and monotony can be overpowering for a person living alone; animals, whether a cat,
dog, horse, bird, or other species, bring company and purpose to a person's existence.
According to Pet Marketing Magazine, pet ownership is increasing year after year in
Ireland, with more than three times as many families (35.6%) having one or more pet
dogs compared to only 10.4% having one or more pet cats. (Clarke, 2009).
In 2008, a study looked at how human-animal connection could impact loneliness and
isolation in older persons. Another goal of the study was to analyze the participants'
depression. A convenience sample from a long-term health care facility was used
because the inhabitants were unable to care for themselves due to disease or disability.
Before the animal intervention, the residents and nursing staff were given a
questionnaire to fill out about their mental health and well-being. A group of residents
participated in one and a half hour sessions with a variety of pets over the course of six
weeks. The group's interactions with one another and the pets were closely studied.
After the six weeks were up, the participants (residents and staff) were given another
questionnaire that was similar to the first. The results show that the participants
(residents) have increased their social interaction with others, and the nurses who
attended the sessions reported on how responsive the residents were to the animals.
Residents were observed conversing and reliving past recollections of pets they once
owned. The first questionnaire revealed emotions of depression, loss of energy, lack of
interest in activities, and very little social engagement.However, the post-intervention
questionnaire revealed that the residents were more friendly with one another, happier,
and had more satisfaction as a result of their interactions with the pets. The patients had
the opportunity to experience themselves in a positive role, and many of the residents
were startled and happy to discover that the animals displayed true pleasure. (Lauren
Prosser, 2008). Many people in nursing homes experience loneliness. Loneliness can
develop when people are isolated from loved ones and familiar surroundings. Pets not
only provide company and unconditional affection, but they can also improve the health
and overall well-being of the elderly. The purpose of pet therapy is to improve the
patients' social, emotional, and physical well-being.There are numerous benefits to
owning a pet; however, according to a recent article, the health benefits of pet
ownership for the elderly may have been overestimated. Falls involving pets and their
accessories are an overlooked health risk. Every year, thousands of elderly people visit
A&E due to falls involving their dogs and cats; these falls can be fatal for the elderly.
(Seliger, 2012).

Animal Assisted Therapy and Dr. Temple Grandin

Animals bring out positive social behaviour in children with Autism. Researchers have
found that the simple presence of an animal can strongly enhance positive social
behaviours in children with autism. A study done on children with autism found that
social skills increase in the presence of animals compared to toys (O'haire, 2013). The
results from this study found that social aversion in autism may be human-specific and
does not extend to interaction with animals but many individuals with autism report
close and affectionate bonds with companion animals. Dr Temple Grandin was born
with severe autism. She is a legend in the kingdom of animal behaviour and is known
for her extraordinary understanding of the animal mind. In the world of autism she is an
international celebrity. Her theory is that there are similarities with the autistic mind and
animal thinking. She states that fear is the main emotion in autism and the main
emotion in animals hence the strong bond between the two (Grandin, 2013).
Moreover, pets have long been considered to be some of human beings best friends.
However, as in other relationships that people form with humans, human-pet
relationships vary widely in closeness, warmth, commitment, emotional involvement
conflict and other features. Pets can serve as attachment figures or, stated somewhat
differently, that attachment bonds can be formed with pets. Having a relationship with a
living creature other than another person allows for a wide range of behaviours and
interactions. A pet is a natural object of attachment, being readily available, active and
mobile, and affectionate (Podberscek, Paul, & Serpell, 2000) Research, as well as
informal observations and personal experiences, indicates that pet owners feel close to
their pets and seek and enjoy this closeness. Many individuals view pets as safe
havens, providing their owners with affection, support, comfort and relief in times of
need. Losing a pet is distressing and can cause a person to enter a period of grief and
mourning. Pets also serve as a secure base from which their owners can confidently
pursue activities, take risks and explore the world. Several characteristics of human-pet
bonds lead people to use pets as a source of love, acceptance, and emotional support
which can help to restore emotional equanimity during times of need. Pet owners tend
to feel that their pet loves and accept them unconditionally and that their relationship
with their pet is characterised by stability, consistency, tenderness, warmth, loyalty,
authenticity and lack of judgement or competition. These characteristics, especially the
feeling that one is unconditionally accepted and loved by a pet, may predispose pet
owners to approach a pet for comfort and reassurance in times of need. This is likely to
lead to the formation of an attachment to a particular pet (Zilda-Mano, Mikulincer, &
R.Shaver, 2011).

Animal Abuse
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals
are treated” (Mahatma Gandhi)
The Irish Veterinary Journal defines animal abuse as:

“The intentional harm of an animal”, and may involve physical abuse, sexual abuse or

neglect. It includes but is not limited to, wilful neglect, inflicting injury, pain or

distress, or malicious killing of animals. Physical abuse encompasses, kicking,

 punching, throwing, burning, microwaving, asphyxiation, and the administration

of drugs or poisons. Neglect is a failure to provide food, water, shelter,

companionship or veterinary attention”

According to the RSPCA in the UK, there were 1,279,953 complaints of cruelty to
animals in 2003, and 708 convictions resulted from 105,932 investigations. There are,
however, no comparable figures currently available in Ireland (B.Gallagher, 2008). The
Protection for
Animals Act that dates back to 1911 is out dated at this stage. In 2011 a Dublin
homeless man,

John Byrne, who had been living rough for 20 years, had his pet rabbit callously thrown
in to the River Liffey by a passer-by, the passer-by (Gary Kearney) was apprehended.
He was handed down a 4 month jail sentence on top of the 6 years he was serving at
the time. This is one of very few cases that reached the courts for animal cruelty in
Ireland (MSPCA, 2012)
A study was conducted by Bill Henry; Professor in the Metropolitan State College of
Denver, the study explored whether attitudes about animal neglect can be reliably
differentiated from attitudes about animal abuse and whether the relationship between
attitudes about animal neglect and animal abuse differs as a function of gender. The
results found that cruelty and neglect attitudes can be distinguished among men and
women. However the structure of the cruelty attitudes differ as a function of sex, with
men holding a more differentiated view of the types of behaviours constituting cruelty
than do women (Henry, 2009).
In many ways men and women interact with animals similarly. Harold A. Herzog
conducted a study on gender differences in human animal interaction, he reviewed the
direction and magnitude of gender differences that have been reported in several areas
of human-animal interactions. These include attitudes towards the treatment of
animals, attachment to pets, involvement in animal protectionism, animal hoarding,
hunting, animal abuse and bestiality.
He found on average, that women show higher levels of positive behaviours and
attitudes toward animals (e.g.: attitudes towards their use, involvement in animal
protection), whereas men typically have higher levels of negative attitudes and
behaviours (e.g.: hunting, animal abuse, less favourable attitudes towards animal
protection) (Herzog, 2007). Attitudes are learned dispositions which are often invoked
both in everyday use as well as in research to explain behaviour. The antecedents of
attitudes include a range of demographic, personality and other variables that underlie a
range of beliefs. Gender is the most prevalent variable that is related generally to
animal welfare attitudes. Mathews and Herzog studied the personalities of 99
undergraduate psychology students from West Carolina University College. In general,
personality showed little or no relationship with attitudes towards animal welfare but
women generally had more positive attitudes to animals than did men (Mathews &
A.Herzog, 1997). In a recent USA study, 126 participants identified themselves as
either a dog person, a cat person both or neither and rated their masculinity, femininity,
independence, dominance and athleticism. Cat owners and females were found to hold
more favourable attitudes towards cats than were non owners and males. Females
(65%) were more likely to label themselves as ‘cat-persons’ than were males (23%).
There was also evidence that people tend to display more extreme feelings towards
cats than dogs, 18% of the sample said they did not like cats whereas only two
participants reported a dislike for dogs (Perrine & Osbourne, 1998).

CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY

Materials
For the purpose of this thesis two questionnaires were selected from Assessing the
Human Animal Bond, A Compendium of Actual Measures. A number of questions were
picked from each questionnaire. The first questionnaire is about Human/Pet
Relationships Measure, this questionnaire measured four aspects of the human/pet
relationship, responsibility, time with pet, affective attachment to pet, and benefit minus
cost difference. Questions 1 and 2 were selected from this questionnaire.
The second questionnaire that is about Pet Attitude Inventory; this questionnaire was
intended to measure pet ownership attitudes and attachment levels. Questions 3 to 10
were selected from this questionnaire.

The materials used for this experiment was a questionnaire comprising of two pages,
the first was a cover sheet explaining what the research was about, a paragraph with
instructions on how to complete the questionnaire and three demographic questions.
The second sheet had 10 specific questions relating to the animal human bond. The
software used to analysis the data was SPSS.
Procedure and Participants
The content and structure of the questionnaire was checked by the project supervisor to
ensure the questionnaire was efficient and suitable for distribution. . Participants were
informed that the study was investigated the relationship bond between humans and
animals as indicated on the first sheet of the questionnaire. 135 individuals voluntarily
participated in this research, all of which were pet owners. All were assigned to the
same experimental task. The population was selected from Tuao pet owners The
questionnaires were personally handed to the participants. The purpose of the research
as well as ethical issues including participants rights were relayed to each participant
before they answered the questionnaires. On average, the questionnaire took 5
minutes to complete, once completed; the questionnaires were collected from each
person. 45
(33.3%) males and 90 (66.7%) females took part in the research. Ranging in age from
19-68. 40% of men in the sample were married, 26.7% were single, 15.6% were co-
habiting, 15.6% were in a relationship and 2.2% stated they were in an ‘other’
relationship. 37.8% of the women in the sample were married, 18.9% were single,
26.7% were co-habiting, 12.2% were in a relationship and 4.4% stated they were in an
‘other’ relationship. The average age of the participants was 36 years of age. The
demographic information shows that 38.5% of the complete sample was married, 23%
were cohabitating, 21.5% were single, 13.3% were in a relationship and 3.7% stated
they were in an ‘other’ relationship.
Design
The study was a quantitative research design that used questionnaires to collect the
data. This method was best suited to this research because of the large sample of
participants. Descriptive statistics were used to show the percentage and frequency in
males and females to the questions answered. The independent variable being
measured is gender and the dependent variable is the human-bond/attachment.
Ethics
In order for any research to be validated, it must be ethical. So understanding ethical
principles and abiding by them when carrying out research is crucial. Therefore ethical
principles were taken seriously in this research. Firstly, the researcher informed and
explained to the participants the purpose of the research, procedure of the research and
risks if any. The researcher ensured that no participant was put at risk at any time.
Secondly, the researcher made sure that no participant was forced or manipulated into
participating in the research, meaning, participants rights were not undermined. The
participants were informed that they had the right to withdraw from the research
process. Thirdly, participant’s anonymity was taken seriously. Information supplied on
the questionnaire was not shared or made available to the public. Participant’s names
were not required on the questionnaire; this ensured that participants remained
anonymous. Finally, each participant was appreciated for giving up their time and
verbally thanked accordingly.
Discussion

The aim of this research study was an attempt to assess the human- animal bond and
investigate the benefits animals have on our lives through quantitative research
analysis. Gender is the main variable being measures. The study was made up of 135
individuals, 45 males and 90 females, the average age for males was 39 years old and
the average age for females was 35.6 years old. 40% of the males were married
compared to 37.8% of females. The sample included more single men 26.7% than
single women 18.9%, more women 26.7% than men 15.6% stated they were in a
relationship. Also from the results it appears that dogs were the most popular choice of
pet among both sexes with males scoring 42.2% and females 65.6%. Male cat owners
31.1% scored significantly higher than female cat owners 14.4%. One interesting finding
was that more men than women had pet cats and when asked what the reason was for
having a pet more men than women said ‘for protection’. Furthermore, evidence from a
recent study states 65% of females were more likely to label themselves as ‘cat-
persons’ than were males 23%. This is not the case for the present study.
The researcher distributed 135 questionnaires to pet owners. The sample was made up
Tuao pet owners who attended the local veterinary hospital with their animals.
The literature review highlighted the many benefits animals have on our lives. For
thousands of years they have provided comfort, support, companionship and
unconditional love to humans.
Furthermore, we have become too heavily rely on them as much as they rely on us.
The male cat ownership statistic is quite interesting because according to a study that
was conducted by Perrine and Osbourne, Females (65%) were more likely to label
themselves as ‘cat-persons’ than males (23%) (Perrine & Osbourne, 1998)

The first hypothesis predicted that animals contribute to our happiness and wellbeing.
The results shows that over half of the male population 51.1% and three quarters of
females 78.9% who completed the questionnaire stated that their pet makes them feel
better when they are feeling sad/unhappy. The results also suggest that animals
contribute to our happiness. There was a slight difference in the scores between males
and females, a higher percentage of females than males stated that their pet
contributed to their happiness. Pets provide meaningful social support for people,
improving their lives. Moreover, people facing serious health challenges fare better with
pets, also research suggests that pet owners are happier and healthier than non-
owners. Pets play a significant supportive role, reducing depression and loneliness and
providing companionship and a need for responsibility (Lauren Prosser, 2008)
The second hypothesis predicted that more females than males would consider their
pets as members of their family and value them highly. The hypothesis was supported.
Pet owners feel close to their pet and seek and enjoy the closeness, moreover, pet
owners view their pets as safe havens, providing their owners with comfort, support and
relief in times of need. One of the questions asked in the questionnaire was ‘how
attached are you to your pet’, females 66.7% scored highest stating that they were very
attached to their pets whereas males scored 42.2%, this may be due to gender
differences in human interaction with animals. According to Harold A Herzog, he found
that women show higher levels of positive behaviours and attitudes towards animals
(Herzog, 2007). A study done by Kelton research investigated the attitudes of pet
owners in regards to treating their pets as members of their family, the results found that
many pet owners considered their dog to be true family members and that their dogs
were in equal status to their children, moreover owners of pets would rather be called
pet-parents than pet owners. In this study, pet-owners admitted to talking to their pets
as if they were human family members. The reason for this change in status, with dogs
becoming virtual children was not directly addressed in this survey but as mentioned in
the literature review, it is likely however, that one reason might be because more
couples are childless or are having fewer children. Another possible factor is that with
increasing life spans parents suffer from an ‘empty nest’ syndrome and in such cases
dogs can serve to satisfy their need to nurture, care for and love. They view them as
the children who are not living in the family home anymore.

For a number of individuals pet ownership is essential for them to live a healthy and
productive life, animal assisted therapy has benefited many groups of people. As
research has found, animals bring out positive social behaviour in children with autism.
Many studies have been done on children with autism, they found that social skills
increase in the presence of animals compared to toys (O'haire, 2013) Dr Temple
Grandin who was born with sever autism and is now a professor in Colorado University,
she states that fear is the main emotion in autism and the main emotion in animals
hence the strong bond between the two. The attachment to a pet can be as strong as
to a loved one, a pet is a natural object of attachment, being readily available, active
and mobile and affectionate (Podberscek, Paul, & Serpell, 2000) The use of AAT
(animal assisted therapy) reportedly dates back to the 1940s, research has
demonstrated that animals have a calming effect, reducing blood pressure and anxiety.
Animals tend to make people less lonely and bring out positive social characteristics. To
the disabled person a therapy dog can mean a new lease of life, these animals greatly
contribute to their mental well-being and happiness. Therapy dogs are being used
worldwide in a range of settings and institutions. Some people would never have had
the opportunity to lead a normal life it hadn’t of been for
therapy/assistance dogs. This is particularly true for medical assistance dog owners,
without these magnificent animals their independence to live a normal life would be
extremely restricted. This also goes for autistic individuals, visually impaired individuals,
people who suffer with epilepsy, individuals who suffer with panic/anxiety attacks, the
elderly and mentally and physically disabled people. These dogs provide comfort,
companionship and most of all, unconditional love to their owners (AACAP, 2008) It is
unbelievable how animal cruelty can exist in this world when so many of us rely heavily
on these animals for assistance. When asked the question ‘would you report animal
cruelty’, a high percentage of the sample answered ‘yes’, 93.3% of females answered
yes and 77.8% of males answered ‘yes’. The figures were very similar when the
question was asked ‘would you know who to report animal cruelty to’, males 77.8%
scored slightly higher than females 75.6%. The study conducted by Bill Henry states
that the results found that cruelty and neglect attitudes can be distinguished among men
and women, he also states that men hold a differentiated view of the types of behaviour
constituting cruelty than do women (Henry, 2009) Another study conducted by Harold A
Herzog studied the gender differences in human animal interaction, he found that
attitudes towards the treatment of animals, hunting, animal abuse and bestiality were
quite different between male and female. He found on average, that women show
higher levels of positive behaviours and attitudes towards animals, whereas men have
typically higher levels of negative attitudes and behaviours towards animals
(Herzog, 2007) As quoted by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, “People speak sometimes about the
‘bestial’ cruelty of man, but that is terribly unjust and offensive to beasts, no animal
would ever be so cruel as a man, so artfully, so artistically cruel”.
The results are interesting, a higher percentage of males 13.3% stated they wanted a
pet for protection compared to 10% of females; this could be due to more males being
single. The males also scored higher than the females in the same question, stating the
reason they got a pet was that they wanted something to take care of.