Tuesday, January 30, 2024

6141 - The Psychological Impact of Forced Human-Pet Separation


OK, here's one that's a little more reader-friendly than yesterday. 

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A Review of Forced Separation Between People and Their Companion Animals

People often form strong emotional attachments with their companion animals. When this relationship is threatened by forced separation, people may take risks to their safety and well-being to protect and stay with their companion animal.

This review maps concepts, evidence, and impacts of forced separation between people and their companion animals in the categories of domestic violence, homelessness, and natural disasters.

Five relevant databases were searched which revealed devastating results for companion animals, with death and loss of the animals prominent across all three categories of forced separation.

Significant psychological distress and an increased risk to safety in people were found across all three categories. Risks people took to avoid forced separation included failing to evacuate to safety during natural disasters, delaying fleeing an abusive relationship, and prolonged homelessness while waiting for pet-friendly accommodation. Responsibility (who is responsible for the animal) and the cultural belief of human well-being as superior to that of animals emerged as major themes.

This review identified the extent of research evidence and gaps in the domains of domestic violence, health, homelessness, natural disasters, and animal welfare. It will assist researchers, policymakers, and service providers working in these areas in understanding the characteristics and complexities of situations involving forced separation of people and their companion animals to optimize support.

Here's a link to the whole article...



12 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

Which isn't new or ground breaking research to those of us with companion animals.

Mike said...

Sue - True, but for those who don't understand, we can take this article and force them to read it. 😆

Bilbo said...

I have a much stronger emotional bond to our family animals (dogs, cats, and chickens) than to most people.

Mike said...

Bill - Right there with you.

Kirk said...

The more you're around an animal, the more like a person they seem--often a better person than the average actual person.

John A Hill said...

Most animals are better company than most humans.

Kathy G said...

I talk to my cat like he's human, so the study conclusion doesn't surprise me in the least.

Mike said...

Kirk - True

John - True

Kathy - Nor me

Susan Kane said...

Companion dogs/pets is a comfort to the owners. I saw a golden lab with a lady. He stayed right with her. Amazing, how in-tune dogs are .

Mike said...

Susan - Especially Goldens. They are the "people dogs".

Cloudia said...

Yes they are documenting what every animal lover knows. And that's a good thing! Thanks, Mike

River said...

I never bonded too much with any of my pets though I was very sad to leave Max when we had to move to a rental that didn't allow pets. He went to a good home and was soon "King of the Castle" as we heard from his new owner. I love Lola, my current cat, but not the same as I loved Angel who I raised from a kitten. When he was stolen from the yard here I cried for weeks! Then I got Lola and we get along well, she sleeps in bed with me in the winter months, but it isn't the same and I know she knows.