Humane Society Institute for Science and Policy
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Do Pets Really Help Aging People Stay Mentally Sharp?
No full textResearch on the impact of pet ownership on cognitive decline shows promise
Wildlife conservation and adaptation to humans
No full textFor many animal species, the ability to adapt to coexistence with the human species and to the environmental changes that humans cause is a biological imperative. This adaptive capacity varies not only between species, but within species. Studying individual differences in animals’ behavioral, cognitive and physiological adaptability is important for integrating ethology and conservation. Findings about animal cognitive capacities, including learning, need to be applied in conservation—but humans need to be educated about ethology, coexistence and conservation too
An International Study Of Advocates’ Strategies And Needs
No full textThis is a mixed-method study that seeks to understand the reasons that farmed animal groups in different regions and circumstances choose particular approaches to advocacy
Turkey’s New Law on Homeless Dogs: Controversial Measures and Capacity Challenges
No full textTurkey\u27s 2024 law mandates removing homeless dogs from streets and placing them in shelters, sparking debate due to a lack of infrastructure and concerns over animal welfare
Why Someone Might See the Ghost of a Pet
No full textDescriptions of encounters with deceased family members are found across cultures and over historical time. A recent study described subjective paranormal experiences with dead pets among 544 bereaved dog owners. These ghostly encounters took many forms and were almost always viewed as positive experiences. These paranormal experiences may help pet lovers deal with disenfranchised grief
Animals in Conflict – Part 1: Conscripts and Victims
No full textAnimals are often overlooked victims in war, suffering abuse, injury, and death alongside human combatants. Explore the roles animals have played in warfare, the impact on wildlife and companion animals, and the urgent need for better protections for these vulnerable populations
Addressing the Veterinarian and Veterinary Technician Shortage: Innovations in Animal Healthcare Access
No full textThe United States is experiencing a shortage of veterinary care providers. A new group proposes innovative solutions
What’s in a NAM?
No full textInterest in and support for non-animal methods (NAMs) in biomedical research and testing continues to grow
Don Griffin and the early days of cognitive ethology
No full textCarolyn Ristau’s trilogy provides a comprehensive account of Donald Griffin’s life and work, with the third volume focusing on cognitive ethology. This commentary focuses primarily on my own interactions with Don, particularly during my sabbatical at Rockefeller University when his campaign for cognitive ethology was gaining momentum. I recount my research on reptile behavior and cognition, my collaboration with Don and others at RU, and my role in advancing his ideas while contextualizing them within 19th-century comparative psychology. I also discuss developments in cognitive ethology, including critical anthropomorphism, the challenges of integrating subjective experience into behavioral science, and Griffin’s lasting influence on animal cognition research
An overview of operational welfare indicators for farmed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
No full textNile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is the second-most widely farmed fish species globally, playing a critical role in food security and livelihoods, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. With the increasing global focus on the ethical and sustainable production of animal-source foods, the assessment and improvement of fish welfare in aquaculture systems has become a priority. This report provides a structured review of operational welfare indicators (OWIs) that can be used to assess the on-farm welfare of Nile tilapia across various production systems. Drawing on a broad range of scientific literature and industry practices, the report categorises OWIs into four key domains (health, environmental, nutritional, and behavioural) based on adapted versions of the Five Domains model and established welfare assessment frameworks used in other species.
The review highlights OWIs currently available for tilapia, evaluates their validity, feasibility, and relevance to commercial operations, and identifies significant knowledge gaps, particularly in the development of indicators related to positive welfare. Several indicators, such as skin and fin condition, water quality parameters, and feed intake, are shown to be both practical and informative, yet underutilised. Challenges in standardising welfare assessments across diverse aquaculture environments are also discussed. The report concludes by emphasising the need for further research into species-specific welfare metrics and for integrating OWIs into certification and management protocols. By advancing a science-based approach to welfare assessment, this work supports efforts to promote responsible aquaculture, enhance the wellbeing of farmed aquatic animals, and aligns with broader efforts to ensure ethical treatment of aquatic animals