The Effect of High-Voltage Power Lines on Magnetic Orientation of Domestic Dogs

Authors: Iakovenko NS, Benediktová K, Adámková J, Hart V, Brinkeová H, Ježek M, Kučera T, Hanzal V, Nováková P, Burda H

Year: 2025 Dec 8

Category: Behavioral Neuroscience

Journal: Animals (Basel)

DOI: 10.3390/ani15243534

URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/24/3534

Abstract

Overview

Domestic dogs are known to sense the geomagnetic field (GMF) and naturally align their bodies along its axis, with altered alignment during geomagnetic disturbances. This study explored whether anthropogenic magnetic fields (MF) from high-voltage power lines (PL) influence this magnetic alignment behavior in dogs.

Methods

  • 36 dogs were observed, with behavior recorded under both north-south (NS) and east-west (EW) oriented power lines.
  • Control conditions excluded anthropogenic magnetic fields.
  • Each dog’s mean alignment angle was calculated from over 50 measurements in each scenario.
  • Grand Means (GMs) were derived and compared.

Findings

- Under control (geomagnetically calm) conditions, dogs showed a bimodal alignment (GM = 23°/203°).
- Geomagnetic storms caused significant shifts in alignment and increased angular dispersion.
- Under NS-oriented power lines, the bimodal pattern persisted (GM = 5°/185°).
- Under EW-oriented lines, alignment became trimodal (nodes = 3, p = 0.042; GM = 103°/283°), with significant statistical differences compared to control (LME for linearized angles: p < 0.001).

Conclusion

  • Dogs maintain directional alignment even when exposed to magnetic fields from power lines.
  • The orientation pattern corresponds to both the MF and direction of the power lines.
  • This demonstrates a possible complex impact involving both magnetic and non-magnetic cues in dogs' orientation behavior.
  • Importantly, this link between electromagnetic fields from power lines and behavioral alteration in dogs points to a significant interaction with bioelectric processes, supporting concerns about EMF exposure and its biological effects.
domestic dogs magnetic orientation high-voltage power lines electromagnetic fields geomagnetic field animal behavior health risk
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