Thursday 27th December 2018, 4:00pm
Scientists have uncovered a genetic difference in people who show greater compassion for animals.“love hormone” has been linked to the relationships between people and animals for the first time
Experts at the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) analysed DNA from 161 student volunteers, who were also asked to complete a questionnaire to gauge their empathy towards animals.
Researchers found those who showed the greatest compassion for animals had a specific version of the oxytocin gene.
They also found that women responded more positively towards animals than men, as did those working in a profession related to animal care.
People’s attitudes towards animals are known to be influenced by a variety of social factors, such as early life experiences, personality traits and religious beliefs. This is the first time scientists have shown that genetics may also play a role.
"We already knew that oxytocin was important for empathy between people but now we know it helps us bond with animals too."
Dr Sarah Brown, The Roslin Institute"This research is only the beginning but we hope that these findings could help us to devise strategies to help improve animal welfare across the UK."
Professor Alistair Lawrence, The Roslin InstituteThe study is published in the journal "Animals".
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Jen Middleton
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