Short description:

Introduction to Human-Animal Interaction focuses on the human dimension of interacting with other animals. This book introduces recent developments, theories, and debates in the relatively new research area of Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) and focuses on the social and life sciences aspect of these interactions.

Long description:

Introduction to Human-Animal Interaction focuses on the human dimension of interacting with other animals. This book introduces recent developments, theories, and debates in the relatively new research area of Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) and focuses on the social and life sciences aspect of these interactions. Experts from different academic disciplines provide an overview for students and professionals interested in how humans and other animals interact, and what advantages and disadvantages emerge for both parties in this relationship.

The book starts with the theories and mechanisms supporting our interactions with animals, such as human-animal communication, and it then covers the implications of HAI in terms of ethics and welfare. After discussing cultural differences and forensic aspects in human-animal interaction (e.g., wildlife crime and animal abuse), the book examines evidence in the area of animal-assisted intervention. The final chapters give an overview of current research in specific human-animal interaction systems: human-pet, human-livestock and human-wildlife interaction. The book offers a scientific, evidence-based perspective on human-animal interaction, providing pedagogical tools to make a systematic, critical and constructive evaluation of research in HAI possible. It offers a range of in-text pedagogical features like a subject index, chapter MCQs, open questions, further reading, and additional digital resources including videos which are accessible via QR codes or through the associated website.

This textbook provides the fundamental tools for achieving a comprehensive, current, and critical overview of the HAI field and is an integral text for undergraduate and postgraduate students undertaking modules in human-animal interaction, in social sciences such as anthropology, cultural studies, criminology, ethics and laws or in life sciences such as animal behaviour, conservation and welfare, biology, neuroscience, physiology, psychology, public health and those studying veterinary science.

"Overall, this book serves as an excellent introductory text for students and new researchers entering the field. It provides a comprehensive yet concise overview of all the essential topics relating to human?animal interactions that one needs to feel informed. It also serves as a quick up-to-date resource, providing insight into emerging issues in the field and as a starting point for deeper exploration."

Bradley P. Smith, Senior Lecturer, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Australia, writing in Anthrozoös Volume 38(1), 2024, doi:10.1080/08927936.2024.2412410.

Table of Contents:

1. An Introduction to Human?Animal Interaction, Book Content and Considerations 2. Theories in Human?Animal Interaction 3. Human?Animal Communication 4. Bioethics and Human?Animal Interaction 5. Human?Animal Welfare: The Interconnectedness of Human Well-Being and Animal Welfare 6. Cross-Cultural Variation in Human?Animal Interaction 7. Criminal Issues in Human?Animal Interaction 8. Animal-Assisted Intervention and Professional Practice 9. Human?Pet Interaction 10. Human?Livestock Interaction 11. Human?Wildlife Interaction  Multiple Choice Questions: The Answers!  Going the Extra Mile ...