BMJ Public Health. 2025 Oct 31;3(2):e003285. doi: 10.1136/bmjph-2025-003285. eCollection 2025.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The human-animal bond has been proposed as a factor in the psychological well-being of individuals. This study examines the distribution and characteristics of suicide precipitated by pet loss or concerns about their welfare. We hypothesise that decedents of suicide precipitated by the loss or welfare concern for animal companions will have characteristics that are significantly different from the general population of suicide decedents.
METHODS: We analysed National Violent Death Reporting System suicide data 2003-2021. We categorised them into animal-bond-associated (ABA) and non-ABA (NABA). We compared the two groups across demographics and incident-related characteristics, including age, sex, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, cause of death, precipitating factors and location. χ2 and t-tests were conducted to assess differences between groups.
RESULTS: 347 731 suicides were analysed, 346 976 were NABA and 755 were ABA. The ABA group was older (mean age 50.6 vs 46.3 years, p<0.0001) and more likely to be white (96.2% vs 87%, p<0.0001). This group also had higher proportions of suicides by poisoning (22.9% vs 14%, p<0.0001), presence of physical health problems (17.8% vs 8%, p<0.0001) and financial problems (17.8% vs 8%, p<0.0001). Suicides in the ABA group were more likely to occur at home (84.1% vs 73.1%, p<0.0001), leave a suicide note (43.7% vs 28.7%, p<0.0001) and disclose intent (25.1% vs 22%, p<0.04).
CONCLUSION: ABA suicides were more likely to disclose intent and employ less violent methods. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms through which animal bonds may impact the nature and characteristics of suicide incidents. This can help inform tailored prevention strategies.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.
PMID:41190046 | PMC:PMC12581049 | DOI:10.1136/bmjph-2025-003285
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