News about Animal welfare

Dog training choices reflect owners’ ethical views on animals

A new study from the University of Copenhagen explores how dog owners’ ethical views on animals are reflected in the training methods they use.

Dealing with annoying cats

The study investigates the effect of enrichment in the form of (i) non-food-related object play and (ii) food puzzles on owner-directed attention-seeking behaviour among companion cats with no or limited outdoor access.

Construction work at ACF – April to December 2026

Construction works at Panum 10.4 will take place from 13 April to end December 2026. Some noise may occur during the period.

Important: Import/Export Services Unavailable June 22 – July 17

ACF Import/Export Unit closed June 22 to July 17 for summer holiday. Import and export of animals and breeding materials will not be available.

International Dairy Federation conference

The International Dairy Federation (IDF) conference was held in Stockholm, Sweden, from 11th to 13th of March with pre-courses the 10th of March.

PhD course: Fish as experimental animals 2026

This course functions as an add on for fish to FELASA. Please distribute this flyer to relevant colleges or join the course yourself.

How horses whinny: Whistling while singing

A horse’s whinny is an unusually distinctive mix of sounds including both high and low frequencies. Researchers from Department of Biology demonstrate how horses produce high-frequency sounds that defy their large size…

Recurrent characteristics of dogs with separation-related problems

In this qualitative study, we explored professionally situated knowledge to identify factors that may contribute to the development of separation-related problems in dogs.

A common diabetes drug may slow the progression of atrial fibrillation

By using horses as a translational animal model, researchers from the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences have shown that metformin, a known diabetes drug, can slow the progression of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Companionship counts

Behavioural welfare indicators support that social housing benefits rabbit welfare.

Nordic Zebrafish Network meeting 2025

Nordic Zebrafish Meeting on 12 - 14 November 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden.

Lift Maintenance at ACF – Autumn 2025

The lifts in Section 10 and Section 16 at the Animal Core Facility will undergo maintenance in the coming months. Noise disturbances are expected, and sensitive experiments should be avoided.

Calling a trade-off a trade-off in arguments for cat confinement

The debate around keeping pet cats indoors is often framed as a win‑win for both wildlife and the animals themselves – but that narrative doesn’t hold up.

Perception of dog health and attitudes towards BOAS grading among Danish owners of French bulldog

This article discusses the disease load among French bulldogs as well as a tendency to rate one's own dog healthier than the average.

The development of a brief version of the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale

The aim of this paper is to develop a brief version of an existing human-animal attachment scale, namely the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS)

Increased use of caesarean sections in pedigree dogs

Study based on data from the Danish Kennel Club showing the prevalence of caesarean section increased from 12.7 to 15.5 % between 2013 and 2022.

PhD Defence: Simon Haugaard Explores Molecular and Metabolic Remodelling in Horse Atrial Fibrillation

On Friday, 20 June, our group’s Simon Haugaard successfully defended his PhD thesis.

Yearly meeting in the Equine Cardiac Group

The yearly meeting in The Equine Cardiac Group was held at the Panum Institute August 25 2025.

Cannabidiol treatment for refractory idiopathic epilepsy in dogs

Systematic literature review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of cannabidiol (CBD) as a supplementary treatment for refractory idiopathic epilepsy in dogs.

Preserving predation

New journal article out July 2025: 'Preserving predation' by Jordan O Hampton, Thomas M Newsome Amy Dickman and Peter Sandøe.

Notification of noisy work

Date Time Type of construction work Where Other From July 21, 2025 Refurbishment of Unit At specific periods during the summer, noise disturbances may occur, with some expected to begin from calendar…

Level 4, Building 10 at Panum is temporarily closed until October

The entire 4th floor of Building 10 at Panum will remain closed until October due to environmental cleanup and demolition. Some noise disturbances may occur.

Important: Import/Export Services Unavailable June 23 – July 18

Important Notice: AEM's Import/Export Unit is closed from June 23rd to July 18th due to the summer holiday.

Sign up for AEM User Meeting

All users of the services provided by the Department of Experimental Medicine (AEM) are invited to attend the first user meeting of 2025.