Holecia Vizuet, & Dr. Rachel Olsthoorn
Animals have always played a vital role within human society. From their first interactions as predators and prey, through domestication and subsequent distinctions as pets and livestock, animals have deep rooted cultural roles that alter human societal norms around the world. Through a literature review, the roles of the five (5) most common pets (dogs, cats, fish, reptiles, birds) and livestock (chicken, cattle, sheep, ducks, goats) in three of the world’s largest countries, India, China, and the United States were scored to evaluate the human animal relationship and the cultural implications of these relationships. Preliminary results highlight cultural lifeways, beliefs, and practices play a large part in our treatment and welfare of animals as pets and livestock. Additional variances can be seen when cross-examining cities in different geographical regions with varying population densities in these countries. This research aims to highlight the overall importance of understanding different cultures and perceptions around the world. Since animals have played a vital role in human society it’s essential to understand the impacts they have made globally.