College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Links between animal and human wellbeing explored

How interactions between humans and animals can affect human health, wellbeing and animal welfare is to be the focus of a one-day event.

The University of Edinburgh is working with the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) on their first Human-Animal Interactions Conference.

The event will be held in the University’s Playfair Library on Monday 3 September 2018.

Working collaboratively with the Scottish SPCA has allowed us to develop high quality internationally leading research that is translated into practice to support the people and animals of Scotland.

Jo WilliamsProfessor of Applied Developmental Psychology at the University of Edinburgh

Groundbreaking research

Human-Animal Interaction Conference

More than 150 experts from across the UK will discuss the impact that wildlife, puppy farming, animal welfare education, domestic abuse and farming can have on both animals and people.

Research being presented includes the effect of music on dogs in kennels, how pain relief during birth for diary cattle could improve welfare, and how educating children can reduce the rate of animal cruelty.

Interaction between humans and animals can have both a positive and negative impact. Research into this impact is growing, and it’s important that we are working collaboratively with likeminded organisations to share this information, ensuring better animal welfare practices for all.

Gilly Mendes FerreiraScottish SPCA Head of Education and Policy

Keynote speaker

The keynote speaker will be naturalist, conservationist, author, artist and broadcaster Simon King OBE. 

Whilst I understand the popular need to distinguish humans from other animals, it's important to acknowledge that we are just as much a part of the animal kingdom as any other organism. It is equally important to accept the degree of responsibility we have in affecting the lives of other animals with our decisions and actions, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse, and what we can do to modify our behaviour to ensure a sustainable and caring future for all.

Simon King

Related links

Human-Animal Interactions Conference

Study Clinical Psychology

Scottish SPCA