Empathy shown by animal lovers ‘could be hardwired into their DNA’

SCIENTISTS HAVE uncovered a genetic difference in people who show greater compassion for animals.

The difference lies in a gene that produces the hormone oxytocin – commonly known as the love hormone – which is known to boost social bonding between people.

It is the first time the hormone has been linked to relationships between people and animals, researchers said, as they voiced hope the findings could develop further strategies to help improve animal welfare.

Experts at the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) analysed DNA from 161 student volunteers, who were also asked to complete a questionnaire to gauge their empathy towards animals.

The researchers found those who showed the greatest compassion for animals had a specific version of the oxytocin gene, while women also responded more positively towards animals than men.

Professor Alistair Lawrence, from the university and the SRUC, said: “This research is only the beginning but we hope that these findings could help us to devise strategies to help improve animal welfare across the UK.”

People’s attitudes towards animals are known to be influenced by a variety of social factors, such as early life experiences, personality traits and religious beliefs, researchers said.