Scientists claim dogs have toddlers' level of emotional awareness
Researchers are hoping their findings will ban scientific tests carried out on man's best friend.
New research claims dogs have similar level of emotional awareness and understanding as toddlers.
Dogs in the study displayed the same emotional intelligence level as that of a two to three-year-old human child, according to the Daily Mail.
The study also discovered dogs can recognise emotional states and intention when they hear words and language.
They also experience pleasure and positive moods in the same way as humans.
Through "dog play" the animals showed moral behaviours like fairness and forgiveness, the study claimed.
Indian animal welfare group People for Animals conducted the study along with London-based group Cruelty Free International. The purpose was to review research involving functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans of dogs.
They are hoping their findings will ban scientific tests carried out on canines.