Animals in the city: Wither the human-animal divide

ABSTRACT

Humans have never been the only animals to live in cities and, as the world becomes ever more urbanized, the number and array of animal species in the urban setting are only increasing. This review essay provides a summary of extant research on human/animal interactions in cities. Four broad themes are discussed and outstanding research questions posed: (1) blurred boundaries and the intersectionality between human and nonhuman animals; (2) voice, power, politics and the right to the city; (3) animals and the fabric of urban space; and (4) human and nonhuman systems and collective welfare. The essay serves as a starting point for an ongoing conversation about how urban affairs scholars can better accommodate the other animals sharing the urban world in their research and applied work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. Although urban legends often refer to coydogs, hybrids from a coyote/dog mating, actual pairings would be rare and litters unlikely to survive due to different mating cycles and the absence of participation of the dog father in protecting the young while the female is hunting (Martin & Von Mertens, 2014).

2. Dog TNR is rare in the U.S. although practiced in cities in Europe and Asia.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Marie Carmen Shingne

Marie Carmen Shingne is a PhD candidate in Sociology at Michigan State University with specializations in Animal Studies and Global Urban Studies. Her research is focused on cross-cultural perspectives of roaming dogs with a secondary interest in fostering communication between academia, animal welfare groups, and the general public to further animal welfare initiatives.

Laura A. Reese

Laura A. Reese is Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at Michigan State University. Her research and teaching areas are in urban politics and public policy, economic development, local governance, and animal welfare policy. She has conducted large scale evaluations for the Economic Development Administration and sub-state economic development programs. She has written 12 books and over 100 articles and book chapters in these areas.