Horses give functionally relevant responses to human facial expressions of emotion: a response to Schmoll (2016)

Smith, Amy Victoria; Proops, Leanne; Grounds, Kate; Wathan, Jennifer; McComb, Karen

doi:10.1098/rsbl.2016.0549

Cited by 8 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…In a second study, the authors determined that equines can successfully discriminate the facial expressions of conspecifics-a phenomenon previously observed in domestic canines (Racca et al 2012; Mota-Rojas et al 2021a)-and that observing positive images generated physiological responses as a lower heart rate (HR) compared to the readings recorded during agonistic stimuli (Mdn= -1 vs. Mdn= 1, Z=-1.94, P= 0.052, r = 0.26). This same response was observed in another study of 28 horses of different breeds and ages (4-23 years) (Smith et al 2016). Those animals responded to photographs of positive (happy) and negative (angry) human facial expressions.…”

Section: The Communicative Function Of Facial Expressionssupporting

confidence: 79%

Neurobiology of emotions in animal relationships: Facial expressions and their biological functions in mammals

Mota-Rojas,

Lezama-García,

Domínguez-Oliva

et al. 2023

J. Anim. Behav. Biometeorol.

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This article aims to analyze the biological and communicative function of facial expressions and their relation to emotions in mammals. Facial expressions and their causes constitute an important yet largely unexplored field of scientific research. While the clinical usefulness of these expressions for recognizing pain in many species has been demonstrated, there is evidence that animals can also emit facial movements with other connotations. Reports show that facial expressions have a biological function by predicting and promoting social interaction in species that form complex social groups, but their meaning depends on the social context. For animals, the unconscious identification of facial expressions also implies an emotional value by modifying the compensatory physiological response, as occurs in species that have close relationships with humans. This corpus of evidence suggests that facial expressions have a kind of communicative function and may transmit emotions and, therefore, participate in affiliative or adverse relations as animals develop. Hence, exploring whether this nonverbal behavior may perform such a dual function is necessary.

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Section: The Communicative Function Of Facial Expressionssupporting

confidence: 79%

Neurobiology of emotions in animal relationships: Facial expressions and their biological functions in mammals

Mota-Rojas,

Lezama-García,

Domínguez-Oliva

et al. 2023

J. Anim. Behav. Biometeorol.

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“…Empirical evidence about dogs’ sensitivity to emotional states in humans is accumulating. Recently, a study has demonstrated dogs are capable of discriminating between different emotional expressions in human faces (Müller et al 2015 ); similar results on heterospecific emotion discrimination have also been found in horses (Smith et al 2016a ; but see Schmoll 2016 ; Smith et al 2016b ). Furthermore, on a multimodal level combining visual with acoustic stimuli, dogs can extract, integrate, and discriminate humans’ as well as conspecifics’ emotional expressions (Albuquerque et al 2016 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 63%

Investigating emotional contagion in dogs (Canis familiaris) to emotional sounds of humans and conspecifics

et al. 2017

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Emotional contagion, a basic component of empathy defined as emotional state-matching between individuals, has previously been shown in dogs even upon solely hearing negative emotional sounds of humans or conspecifics. The current investigation further sheds light on this phenomenon by directly contrasting emotional sounds of both species (humans and dogs) as well as opposed valences (positive and negative) to gain insights into intra- and interspecies empathy as well as differences between positively and negatively valenced sounds. Different types of sounds were played back to measure the influence of three dimensions on the dogs’ behavioural response. We found that dogs behaved differently after hearing non-emotional sounds of their environment compared to emotional sounds of humans and conspecifics (“Emotionality” dimension), but the subjects responded similarly to human and conspecific sounds (“Species” dimension). However, dogs expressed more freezing behaviour after conspecific sounds, independent of the valence. Comparing positively with negatively valenced sounds of both species (“Valence” dimension), we found that, independent of the species from which the sound originated, dogs expressed more behavioural indicators for arousal and negatively valenced states after hearing negative emotional sounds. This response pattern indicates emotional state-matching or emotional contagion for negative sounds of humans and conspecifics. It furthermore indicates that dogs recognized the different valences of the emotional sounds, which is a promising finding for future studies on empathy for positive emotional states in dogs.

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“…The overwhelming perception among participants is that horses have feelings, a view supported by the recent increase in the scientific study of an animal’s subjective experience [81]. However, the subjective nature of feelings and emotions is also the reason for the dismissal of animal sentience [82]. Proctor states that to achieve a positive change in attitudes and actions towards animals, it is essential to recognise animals as sentient [81].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Study of Traveller Horse Owners’ Attitudes to Horse Care and Welfare Using an Equine Body Condition Scoring System

Rowland¹,

Coombs

Connor³

2019

Animals

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Traveller horses are often perceived to be exposed to poor welfare due to Travellers’ traditional way of horsemanship. However, few studies have investigated Traveller horse welfare. Hence, the present study aims to explore Traveller horse owners’ attitudes to horse care and welfare. Semi-structured interviews and discussion groups examined 14 Irish Traveller horse owners’ attitudes and approach to horse ownership. Additionally, a body condition scoring (BCS) instrument was assessed for its accuracy and ease of use when applied by Traveller horse owners. Additionally, the BCS system was used to assess 18 horses. Results show that Travellers have a good understanding of horses’ natural behaviours and environment, which is reflected in their management practices. However, barriers to improved welfare are land availability, since landowners are often reluctant to lease to Travellers, and the impoundment of horses as a consequence of fly grazing, under the Control of Horses Act 1996 (Ireland). Furthermore, Travellers regarded the BCS as a useful tool, but would require training to apply the scoring successfully. The results suggest that attitudes and management practices are favourable, but Travellers have limited means to overcome barriers. Therefore, it is necessary to increase capacity building and assist with the acquisition of land.

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Horses give functionally relevant responses to human facial expressions of emotion: a response to Schmoll (2016)

Cited by 8 publications

References 5 publications

Neurobiology of emotions in animal relationships: Facial expressions and their biological functions in mammals

Neurobiology of emotions in animal relationships: Facial expressions and their biological functions in mammals

Investigating emotional contagion in dogs (Canis familiaris) to emotional sounds of humans and conspecifics

A Study of Traveller Horse Owners’ Attitudes to Horse Care and Welfare Using an Equine Body Condition Scoring System

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