Plenary speakersWe have the pleasure of presenting nine outstanding and well-known plenary speakers
Name: Dennis C Turner, Switzerland Job title: ScD (Doctor of Science), PD (Private Faculty member, University of Zurich, Switzerland), Invited Professor (ERCAZ, Azabu University, Japan). President of IAHAIO since 1995. Will speak about: Attitudes toward animals and animal welfare - a cross-cultural (international) comparision Current work and research: My team is currently studying dog cognitive behaviour and dog-human relationships, while most of my own past research has been on cat behaviour and the human-cat relationship. Hot HAI-topic being debated in Switzerland: Regulations concerning "dangerous" dogs; compulsory dog owner education and basic dog training Expectation IAHAIO conference: I don't think it will be as large as the Tokyo 2007 conference (record attendance), but qualitatively, at a very high-level and covering new themes, making it very attractive for both researchers and practitioners. Favorite animal: Of course, cats, though dogs come in very close to the top!
Name: Marietta Schulz, Germany Job title: Die Gute Hand, Heilpädagogisch-Psychotherapeutisches Zentrum der Kinder und Jugendhilfe, Reittherapeutisches Zentrum Meierhof und Deutsches Kuratorium für Therapeutisches Reiten e.V. Will speak about: Equine-assisted therapy and autistic children. Current work and research: Tapfer - Scientific study to evaluate the influence of Therapeutic Riding on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. (Tapfer - Therapeutische Arbeit mit dem Pferd, Evaluationsstudie zur Wirksamkeit des Therapeutischen Reitens bei Kindern mit ASS.) The most important HAI-subjects to research about: Bonding and nonverbal communication issues, influence on verbalization in nonverbal children Hot HAI-topic being debated in Germany: Ethics in therapy situations: How do we protect the animals while there are in long term use in therapy? Expectation of the IAHAIO- conference: I have never been to an IAHIAO conference. I feel honoured that I am invited and I expect good discussions and exchange of knowledge. Favorite animal: Horses of course, but also dolphins, elephants and cats.
Name: Brenda Bonnet, Canada Job title: Consulting Epidemiologist, and Adjunct Professor, University of Guelph. Representing the Agria Pet Insurance company Will speak about: Companion animal health and longevity: Predisposing factors. Current work and research: Continiuing work with statistics on risks and causes of veterinary care or death in companion animals (dogs, horses, cats) insured with Agria; integrating with Swedish Kennel Club data; also veterinary communication. The most important HAI-subjects to research about: There are many important issues, but in regard to my own areas of expertise: Hot HAI-topic being debated in Canada: In both Canada and Sweden there are issues of increased veterinary costs at a time when owners may be least able to afford it. Expectation of the IAHAIO- conference: An informed and thought-provoking exchange across the broad range of people interested in HAI issues. Favorite animals: Cats-if I need to choose
Name: John Bradshaw, UK Job title: Waltham Director of the Anthrozoology Institute, University of Bristol Will speak about: Ethological aspects of human-companion animal interaction. Current work and research: My personal research is currently focused on the use of the "dominance" concept in characterising animal-human interactions (for example, Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 4(3)). I also collaborate in projects concerned with the olfactory behaviour of dogs and cats, their behavioural disorders, and their ecology and epidemiology, and also human perceptions of animals and animal welfare. The most important HAI-subjects to research about: The unique attributes of the various species that are loosely grouped together as "companion animals". Hot HAI-topic being debated in England: Pedigree dog breeding - its impact on welfare.
Name: Harold Herzog; Unites States Job title: Professor, Western Carolina University Will speak about: The psychology of human-animal relationships. Current work and research: I am currently writing a book to be published by HarperCollins in 2010 on human-animal interactions. The title is "Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat: Why It Is So Hard To Think Straight About Animals." The most important HAI-subjects to research about: Attitudes toward the use of animals; how researchers can bring methodological rigor to the study of our relationships with other species. Hot HAI-topic being debated in U.S.: What is the relationship between childhood animal cruelty and adult violence? How effective is animal-assisted therapy? What are the mechanisms underlying the medical and psychological benefits of pets? Expectation of the IAHAIO- conference: Meeting researchers from around the globe who have a common interest in studying our complicated relationships with members of other species. Favorite animal: My cat, Kitty.
Name: Tomoko Hara Takayanagi, Japan Job title: Executive Director /MD., Ph.D. , Japan Service Dog Association, Yokohama Rehabilitation Center Will speak about: Rehabilitation and the Service Dogs. Current work and research: Case study of service dog users. Effects of ADL and QOL of Service Dogs. Social welfare system and service dog training. The most important HAI-subjects to research about: Social welfare system and service dog training. Users' education about service dogs. Hot HAI-topic being debated in Japan: Service dog access law and social welfare system. Expectation of the IAHAIO- conference: Networking and understanding about other countries. Favorite animal: Dogs and cats.
Name: Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg, Sweden Job title: Professor Medical doctor and Professor of Physiology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Kerstin obtained her doctorate at Karolinska Institute. Will speak about: the coordinating role of oxytocin in the brain of animals. This research has been
Name: David Fraser Title: Professor Representing: University of British Columbia Representing the country: Canada Will speak about: Animal welfare science in its cultural contest. Can you tell us about your current work/latest research: My current research focuses on the theory and philosophical underpinnings of animal welfare science, and the application of science to standards for the treatment of animals. In addition, I work with a variety of graduate students on topics such as dog-bite prevention and the rehabilitation of injured or orphaned wildlife. Which are the most important HAI-subjects to research about according to you?: Food-producing animals constitute roughly 90% of all animals used by humans. There is an urgent need to develop global standards, and to implement good animal welfare practices, for food-producing animals around the world. Current HAI-issue/debate in your country?: New regulations for the transportation of animals Favorite animal: Pigs. I was born in the Chinese year of the pig.
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