So, can animals experience or display emotions?

[wizzo]

Don't know if this is the correct forum for this subject - but here goes. Do you believe that amimals can feel or display emotions such as...rage, anger, love, deceipt or selfishness. My opinion is a definate yes. I've witnessed all of these emotions/feelings in probably all of my pets, at some time or another. If this is the wrong forum, I will try and move it? Wizzo

[2dogs2000]

I am inclined to believe they do display emotions. My 11year old female dog cries when she sees a puppy. She is very maternal and that is why we have ended up with two dogs as we got her a puppy when she was 4 years old.

[sunnydale]

Oh yes, definitely! My mums cat used to run for her life when she saw mum coming with the cat hairbrush

You could see the absolute fear in her eyes!! (The cat, not my mum....)

[shenk1]

A dog we had years ago would love to watch tv and when one program was on 2 dogs were fighting. She would growl at the "bad dog " and lick the screen when the "good dog" was on.She was also the moodiest female I have ever been around (stiff competition there!) and would sulk for hours if a cat snarled at her when she tried to lick it.

[tom00_uk]

They have their own emotional states, but it should be remembered it is wrong to try and stick human emotions onto other animals as we are unsure what their expressions mean and may never know.

[agrumpycow]

Without a doubt I think they can both experience and display emotions. My dogs definitely do both so I see no reason why other animals aren't the same.

[loripo]

There were some good posts along these lines on the 'Bereaved magpies' thread. Try to get hold of a copy of 'When Elephants Weep' by Masson & McCarthy.

[Jason Claxton]

Science has taught me that this would be anthropocentric thinking,but I really do believe that they feel pain and emotions a lot like us.

[wizzo]

I think that emotions are no different for either species. It's the intensity or level that varies I think. Animals emotions may even be greater than ours. Imo, it is wrong to assume that because most people (present company accepted) percieve animals as lesser beings, that they are not capable of the same level of emotions or even greater. The way that I hate or love may be completely different from the way that you or others do. The reason I raised this subject is because, it's often the excuse given by the pro-hunting brigde for inflicting stress and pain on the poor creatures. The hunting debate is about to come to the fore again with a possible change of goverment, so apologies for getting all political. Anyway, my dogs are 110% capable of love, even more intensely than humans I think. Mine definately display rage or anger, as anyone who tried to move their dinner would find out They can be deceiptfull, crafty and even selfish. The only emotion I'm not sure about is hate. Do any of you have any experience, of animals showing hate? Oh and Ferrets! Now there's a whole new subject lol

[wizzo]

Loripo, I will try and get a copy. Also, a book called "Dogs never lie about love" (I think that's right) is a facinating read. Well worth tracking down. I know it's readily available from WH Smiths etc. I will try and post the author's name when I can. Wizzo