Researchers found the more types of animals someone had growing up, the more likely they were to abstain from a wider range of animal products.
KYLI RODRIGUEZ-CAYRO: ‘For many of us, some of the most precious childhood memories we have are the moments shared with our first pets. (And some of the saddest memories are probably when they passed away.) While looking at photos of old pets can bring all the heartwarming memories flooding back and make you nostalgic, it’s probably difficult to believe your childhood pets can actually have a very real impact on you — especially on your dietary choices and empathy for all animals — long into adulthood, and long after they are gone. According to a new study, vegetarianism and animal companionship are related in a surprising way — people who have various pets growing up have a higher chance of choosing to adopt a vegetarian or vegan diet as an adult…
The study discovered people who had a variety of animals growing up (meaning, they had cats, rodents, farm animals, or other cute critters — not just dogs) were more likely to adopt vegetarianism or veganism as adults. In addition, researchers found the more types of animals someone had growing up, the more likely they were to abstain from a wider range of animal products (like dairy and meat, rather than just meat) compared to folks who grew up with fewer pets. Participants who reported having an abundant variety of childhood pets were also more ethically opposed to factory farming, animal testing, and other forms of animal exploitation than those participants with a fewer variety of childhood animals’. SOURCE…
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