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Significance of pets in society continues to grow
Mars inaugurates new event center with a conference of experts on human-animal relationships. More than 100 scientists and experts discuss latest research findings.
"Pets 2020 - Perspectives on the Future of Research and Practice" was the motto bringing together many scientists and professionals from the area of human-animal relationships. The occasion prompting this event was the opening of the recently completed Verden Conference Center on the Mars premises located in Verden.
For many decades, Mars has been supporting research as well as numerous initiatives in the area of human-animal relationships. Now, the company again confirmed their long-term commitment in a scientific conference. Several renowned experts presented their latest research findings, and revealed a professional outlook on the future of human-animal research.
Whether in social work, geriatrics or therapy for disabled people - there is hardly any area in modern health care not using animal-supported activities. And numerous studies have proven the positive effects that animals have on the health of humans.
Prof. Dr. Kurt Kotrschal from the University of Vienna and head of the Konrad-Lorenz Research Institute, focused on the status and recent developments in human-animal research, especially regarding the advantages of an interdisciplinary research approach.
Prof. Dr. Henri Julius and Dr. Andrea Beetz from the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation at the University of Rostock presented the findings of an international research group. In a fundamental study largely supported by Mars and based on stress reduction in children through dog bonding, substantial evidence was gathered for the first time underscoring the role of hormones in human-animal relationships. Robert Haller, Innovation Manager at Mars Petcare Europe, gave an outlook on the means and future challenges of trend research in pet care, and risked a prediction as to pet ownership in 2030. Dr. Lisa Milella, one of the leading experts in animal oral care from Great Britain, emphasized the impact of pain disorders in dogs and cats on the human-animal bond; a completely new aspect in the scientific discussion about human-animal relationships.
Dr. Sandra McCune, head of the research program on human-animal relationships at the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition in the UK, painted an impressive picture of ongoing global research projects, and demonstrated in another presentation using the obesity issue how the human-animal relationship positively impacts the human organism. Prof. Dr. Dennis Turner of the University Zurich presented preliminary results of a globally conducted study on the different attitudes towards pets and animal protection in various cultures. The renowned Swedish scientist, Prof. Dr. Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg, not only presented the effects of contact with animals on the human hormonal system, but was also able to demonstrate staggering similarities to the hormonal reactions in interpersonal relations.
Apart from scientific presentations, the program also offered insights into the practical world of animal-assisted therapy: The Institute for Social Learning with Animals from Wedemark, Dogs for Handicapped from Berlin and Animals Helping Humans from Würzburg, which have all been supported by Mars for many years, introduced their work to a receptive audience.
"As confirmed by the circle of participants, we reached the goal we set out to achieve in providing all those interested from science, practice and media with a platform for a professional exchange and discussion of topics all about pets and their significance to humans", said Mars spokesperson, Rolf Zepp, who also added. "I am confident that this was not the last event of its kind." |
