The Domestication of Animals Many people love their pets and are
loved by them. In this chapter I explore the evolution and the
nature of human-animal bonds. But first it is important to
recognize that emotional bonds between people and animals are
the exception rather than the rule. For every well-loved cat or
dog, hundreds of domesticated animals are confined to intensive
farming systems and research laboratories. In many Third World
countries beasts of burden are often treated brutally. And
traditional societies are not usually subscribers to modern
ideals of animal welfare. Eskimos, for example, tend to treat
their huskies harshly. But in spite of all this exploitation,
abuse, and neglect, many people form bonds with animals from
childhood onward. Young children are commonly given teddy bears
or other toy animals, and they like hearing stories about
animals. Above all, most like keeping actual animals. The
majority of pets live in households with children. Hearing tales
about frightening animals, includin