Captive Animals and Anthropomorphism

Definition: Captive animals refer to species kept in controlled environments including farms, zoos, conservation breeding centers, research laboratories, and households.
Differences in conditions: Animals in captivity may display differences in health, lifespan, and reproductive characteristics when compared to their wild counterparts.

Main consideration: The primary concern is to create a natural environment that allows animals to express natural behaviors such as foraging and courtship.
Zoochosis:
- Definition: A term that describes the abnormal stereotypical behaviors exhibited by animals in captivity.
- Characteristics: These behaviors are repeated regularly without apparent purpose and are viewed as indicators of stress (e.g. swaying, pacing, circling).

Purpose of studying animal behavior: To understand how animals live naturally, communicate, and satisfy their needs.
Benefits:
- Recognizes normal and abnormal behaviors essential for identifying potential stress, illness, or poor welfare.
- Enhances responsible animal care in varied environments such as homes, farms, zoos, and conservation settings.
- Helps in preventing anthropomorphism by emphasizing scientific observation over human assumptions.

Definition: The attribution of human characteristics or behavior to gods, animals, or objects.
Etymology: Derived from Greek, where 'anthropos' means 'man' and 'morphe' means 'form'.
Cultural significance:
- Historically used in storytelling and art; many cultures have traditional narratives featuring anthropomorphized animals who behave like humans.
- Involves ascribing human emotions or motives to natural phenomena such as hurricanes or earthquakes.

Serpell, 2003: People globally refashion their pets' identities similar to humans—feeding them human food, giving them human names, celebrating birthdays, and providing medical care akin to that given to humans (e.g., costly surgeries).
US Trends: In the USA, practices like dressing pets in designer clothing, enrolling them in daycare, and performing costly surgeries (e.g., renal transplant surgeries at approximately $6,500 each) reflect anthropomorphic tendencies.

Cognitive Misunderstanding:
- Anthropomorphism enables people to empathize with animals but can also lead to misconceptions about their needs.
- Animals may not think or feel as humans do, even if their behaviors seem similar.
Misguided Care: Could result in inappropriate care practices, such as feeding unsuitable diets or misinterpreting stress signals.
Scientific Approach: Scientists advise avoiding assumptions regarding animals' mental, social, and emotional capabilities; decisions about animal welfare should rely on observable evidence rather than emotional interpretations.
Impact in Captivity: Anthropomorphism may obscure indicators of poor welfare by incorrectly categorizing stress behaviors.

Challenges in observing animals: Observers need to avoid attributing human qualities to animal behaviors.
Research Timeframe: Scientific insights about what animals do require extensive research studies to ascertain the reasons behind those actions.
Example of behavior analysis:
- Distinction between 'lying down' (action) and 'resting' (implying purpose);
- Social animals may lie down to signify submission, while prey animals may do so to hide from predators.

Stimulus-Response Model: An environmental stimulus provokes a response from the animal.
Definition of Stimulus: A detectable factor (e.g., light, chemicals, sound). The ability to detect a stimulus is termed sensitivity.
Types of stimuli: Stimuli may be either internal (e.g., body temperature, hunger) or external (e.g., temperature, presence of other animals).

Response categorization: Animals may respond to stimuli perceived as positive or negative in their environment.

Neutral State:
- Characteristics of a dog in a neutral state include:
  - Head erect
  - Mouth relaxed and slightly open
  - Weight evenly distributed over all four feet
  - Ears up and tail relaxed, potentially wagging.
Negative Stimulus Response:
- Signs indicating the dog is responding to a negative stimulus include:
  - Stiff, raised tail
  - Erect ears tilted forward
  - Bared teeth and snarling
  - Raised hackles
  - Weight forward in a charging position.

Signs of anxiety may include:
- Slowing down: A gradual decrease in pace as the dog assesses a situation.
- Leaning away and lip-licking: Avoidance of direct eye contact to reduce tension.
- Crouched posture: Body language indicating fear may involve tucking the tail or lowering the body.
- Paw lifting: An apprehensive gesture indicating caution or fear.
- Lowered body approach: Hesitant approach to a person or object, showcasing conflicting feelings.
- Appeasement grin: A submissive grin aimed at diffusing social conflict; distinct from aggressive displays.

Common Stress Indicators:
- Altered Levels of Activity: Deviations from expected activity levels.
- Breeding Difficulties: Failure to conceive or raise offspring without clear reasons.
- Misdirected Behavior: Abnormal use of normal behaviors, such as over-plucking of feathers by pet birds.
- Stereotypic Behaviors: Repetitive motions like pacing or head bobbing.

Duty of Care: There is a responsibility to ensure that enclosed environments for animals promote their physiological and behavioral health.
Basic Environmental Standards: An animal's habitat must meet various criteria, including:
1. Protection from elements: Ensuring shelter is draught-free and waterproof, with suitable bedding for comfort.
2. Cleanliness and hygiene: Regular cleaning and disinfecting practices must be adhered to.
3. Ventilation: Adequate airflow is essential for health and sanitary conditions.
4. Sufficient space: The habitat must allow for proper movement, comfort, and hygiene needs.
5. Natural behavior expression: Opportunities to exhibit species-specific behaviors should be included.
6. Exercise and play space: The environment must allow for adequate physical and mental stimulation.
7. Access to nutrition and hydration: Quality food and clean water must be available.
8. Safety from dangers: Hazards like aggressive animals or pollutants must be eliminated.
9. Lack of distressing stimuli: Environments should be free from harassment or noise that could cause distress.
10. Safe handling provisions: Areas should facilitate humane handling for health-checks and care without distress.

Learning with Zoos - www.learningwithzoos.com
Daston, L. & Mitman, G. (2005). Thinking with Animals: New Perspectives on Anthropomorphism.
Dog Trick Academy - http://www.dogtrickacademy.com/blog/dog-body-language
Serpell, J.A. (2003). Anthropomorphism and Anthropomorphic Selection—Beyond the “Cute Response”.
Dog Trust - https://www.dogstrust.ie/dog-advice/training/understanding-your-dog/signs-your-dog-may-be-stressed