HumaneSpot Spotlight Selections for November 11, 2009

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November 11, 2009

 

Here are your latest research spotlights from HumaneSpot.org, the world's only research-based website designed exclusively for animal advocates. On behalf of everyone at HRC, thanks for using our research in your work for animals.

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Upcoming 3rd Wave of HRC's Animal Tracker

 

 

New Blog Entry, HRC-Authored, Syndicated Study, Entered on 11/10/2009

 

 

 

 

Wave 3 of HRC's Animal Tracker, slated for early next year, will survey a representative sample of adults in the U.S., addressing questions like knowledge of various animal issues, the influence of concern for animals on personal choices, perceived impact of the animal protection movement, and support for the movement's goal of eliminating animal suffering. We'll also be able to compare the results with findings from the baseline survey, which was conducted in early 2008.

 

 

Details: http://www.humanespot.org/node/3482

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Empathetic Differences in Adults as a Function of Childhood and Adult Pet Ownership and Pet Type

 

 

New Research Citation, Entered on 11/9/2009; Original Item from 2009

 

 

 

 

According to this study, both adults who currently have pets and those who had pets as children were found to rate more highly on empathy scales compared with those who either do not have pets or never had pets.

by Berg Publishers

 

 

Details: http://www.humanespot.org/node/3485

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Extinction Crisis Continues Apace

 

 

New Research Citation, Entered on 11/8/2009; Original Item from 2009

 

 

 

 

An update of the Red List of Threatened Species shows that 17,291 species out of a total of 47,677 assessed species are currently in danger of extinction, which some believe indicates a worldwide wildlife crisis.

by International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

 

 

Details: http://www.humanespot.org/node/3484

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Science Takes Case for Animal Research to the People

 

 

New Research Citation, Entered on 11/6/2009; Original Item from 2009

 

 

 

 

A decline in U.S. public support for the use of animals in research has led to an aggressive campaign by biomedical researchers to promote and defend the use of animals in medical and pharmaceutical research.

by Star Tribune

 

 

Details: http://www.humanespot.org/node/3481

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reasons for Relinquishment and Return of Domestic Cats to Rescue Shelters in the UK

 

 

New Research Citation, Entered on 11/5/2009; Original Item from 2009

 

 

 

 

This study of cat relinquishment in the United Kingdom found that 60% of cats entering shelters were given up by their owners, 19% due to owner circumstances, 7% for behavioral reasons, and 5% because of the occurrence of allergy or asthma among owners.

by Berg Publishers

 

 

Details: http://www.humanespot.org/node/3480

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Emergence of Pets as Family and the Socio-Historical Development of Pet Funerals in Japan

 

 

New Research Citation, Entered on 11/4/2009; Original Item from 2009

 

 

 

 

This study of the historical perception of companion animals in Japan is based on the tombstone inscriptions and burial practices for pets. Results show that these practices evolved over time from a form of prayer for the animal's soul to an expression of grief by the owner.

by Berg Publishers

 

 

Details: http://www.humanespot.org/node/3479