Companion Animals On Children’s Attitudes Toward Animals
This report covers three surveys of Slovakian school children to determine the effects of keeping companion animals on the attitudes of children on three unpopular animals. Research findings suggest that having a companion animal at home positively affects the attitudes of children toward both popular and unpopular animals.
Results from these experimental surveys showed that children had more knowledge of — but a less favorable attitude towards — unpopular animals compared with popular ones. Having a companion animal at home was in general associated with a more positive attitude toward and greater knowledge of both popular and unpopular animals. Girls were generally less positive about animals that they may consider a threat, danger, or threat of disease, when compared with boys.
This report also discusses various implications for humane education based on the findings.