A scientist has revealed that he has developed a method for "talking" to animals, which would allow owners to ask their pets questions about how happy they are.
Dr Ian Duncan, emeritus chair in animal welfare at the University of Guelph, Canada, said that his aims are similar to those of the fictional character 'Dr Dolittle', but his methods are based strictly on science, fox News reported.
He said that his team is devising ways of 'talking' to animals and putting questions to them about their welfare and happiness and each species has to be treated differently.
Duncan added that the common factor is to develop tests where the animals are offered a choice, and if they make the same choice repeatedly, it would show what they want from their owners.