Human-Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence: Urban Coyotes in Newton, Massachusetts

Daria Healey, Cameron DeAngelo, Amy Donahue, Kristie Martin, Andrew Theall, India Jennings, Timothy Brannan, Grace Hewitt, & Jennifer Rebecca Schauer

---

Human-Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence: Urban Coyotes in Newton, Massachusetts

Abstract: The coyote’s ability to adapt to a wide variety of environments allows for this species to live, travel, and hunt in regions that are affected by human development and urbanization. However, this also increases the potential for human-coyote interactions, a topic which has not been thoroughly studied in the northeastern United States. Nine key themes emerged from this study: (a) physical and emotional distance, (b) aversive conditioning, (c) reliability of the source, (d) affinity for the abstract, (e) willingness to coexist, (f) human initiation, (g) coyote fear of humans, (h) food, and (i) disease. We encourage empathy towards coyotes which promotes peaceful coexistence and meaningful emotional connections.

Keywords: Coyote, Education, Interactions, Urban, Wildlife-Tracking Apps

Click here to view the full article.

Browse all articles here.

Perceived Attitudes of Pet Owners About Their Pets During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Eli D. Halbreich

---

Perceived Attitudes of Pet Owners About Their Pets During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract: The global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of both people and animals worldwide. The early lockdown phases of the pandemic caused people and their pets to spend increased time in close proximity, which intensified both positive and negative aspects of the relationships between people and their pets. This longitudinal study of U.S. residents (63 initial survey respondents; 23 follow-up survey respondents) sought to collect novel data related to the perceived attitudes toward, attachment to, and relationship with pets at two points during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many participants reported a positive relationship with their pets and appreciated the increased amount of time they could spend with them during the pandemic. Some participants noted an increase in negative behaviors, such as separation anxiety, in their pets. This study contributes to a body of research collected within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.

Keywords: Attachment; Attitudes; COVID-19; Human-Animal Interaction; Pets

Click here to view the full article.

Browse all articles here.

"Greyhound Racing is Like Roller-Skating": Dogs, Gambling, and Animal Rights in 20th Century Macau

Catherine S. Chan

---

"Greyhound Racing is Like Roller-Skating": Dogs, Gambling, and Animal Rights in 20th Century Macau

Abstract: Dog racing was one of the attractions that helped establish Macau’s status as the so-called “Monte Carlo of the orient.” This study uses the case of Macau’s canidrome to shed light on the cultural agency that humans rendered to greyhound dogs as objects of entertainment and vice. It also probes the near absence of discussions on animal welfare in Macanese society and argues that the various legal and social developments regarding animal cruelty and welfare in the post-war period were directed at securing human privileges. From a historical approach, this study examines a century of newspaper coverage regarding the Macau canidrome tracks to not only reveal the slow progress if the city’s animal activism in the city, but also suggest that more focus needs to be given in uprooting the historical perception of dogs as objects first, and living creatures after, from human culture and subconsciousness.

Keywords: Animal Welfare, Dog Racing, Gambling City, Macau

Click here to view the full article.

Browse all articles here.