Faunalytics.org makes use of JavaScript to operate fully, but Javascript is disabled in your browser

Global

 | 

“Pets or Meat”? Ethics and Domestic Animals
There is often a deep disconnect and great variation in how we treat farmed, companion, and wild animals. Using a particular scene from Michael Moore's documentary Roger and Me as a starting point - a scene where backyard rabbits are sold as "pets or meat" - this article unpacks the ethics around our perceptions of the different categorizations of animals. The author approaches the subject by viewing these categories of animals through the lens of an "ethic of care," and suggests ways of acting ethically towards all wild, companion, and farmed animals. READ MORE

 | 

Behavioral Differences Among Breeds of Domestic Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris): Current Status of the Science
Though there is a tremendous amount of visible variation among dog breeds, all domestic dogs belong to the species Canis lupus familiaris. This study examines how much breed variation has an effect (or lack thereof) on behavioral traits, recognizing that many particular types of dogs have been bred for hundreds and sometimes thousands of years. The results show that the behavioral differences thought to exist among different breeds are more pronounced depending on the research methods used. READ MORE

 | 

Emptying the Oceans: A Summary of Industrial Whaling Catches in the 20th Century
As on land, the "industrialization" of the oceans has a huge impact on the animals that inhabit it. This study looks at how the centuries old practice of whaling has become industrialized since the early 1900's, and how this process has impacted whale populations worldwide. The research uncovers a steady (and sometimes sharp) increase in whale catch numbers since the early 1900s, and also finds that record-keeping on whaling globally has been inconsistent and sporadic. READ MORE

 | 

Rationalizing Meat Consumption: The 4Ns
As more evidence emerges that eating meat damages the environment, affects personal health, and causes suffering to animals, some people are finding it increasingly difficult to justify consuming it. This study looks at the psychological mechanisms that people employ to solve the "meat paradox" - continuing to eat meat despite a growing body of evidence that action should be taken to the contrary. The researchers find that, among the various techniques used, people most often employ a strategy that frames meat eating as natural, normal, necessary, and nice. READ MORE

 | 

Animal-Assisted Interventions in Children’s Hospitals: A Critical Review of the Literature
Animal Assisted Intervetions (AAIs), whereby cats, dogs, and other animals interact with patients and help them with their mental and physical healing through companionship, is becoming more common in hospitals. As the popularity of the therapy grows, researchers are keen to determine what, if any, empirical value the treatment has in helping patients heal. This study looks as the use of AAIs in children's hospitals, and finds generally positive results, but also notes that much more research needs to be done to draw stronger conclusions. READ MORE

 | 

Living Planet Report, 2014
The WWF's Living Planet Report uses something called the Living Planet Index (LPI) to track changes in biodiversity globally. The 2014 report shows a huge decline in LPI between 1970 and 2010, with oceans and freshwater species declining rapidly.  READ MORE
team on a hill
September 10, 12pm-5pm ET

Fauna Connections

Our fifth annual remote symposium for animal advocates, Fauna Connections, will take place on September 10, 2026! Register now for this FREE event.

Register Now
Faunalytics uses cookies to provide necessary site functionality and to help us understand how you use our website. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our privacy policy.
I Agree
meerkat-emails.jpg

Don’t Miss a Thing

Faunalytics delivers the latest and most important information directly to your inbox. Choose what topics you want to see and how often you get our emails, and you can unsubscribe anytime.