BIOETHICS SYMPOSIUM II: current factors influencing perceptions of animals and their welfare.

This research article examines the factors that may influence people’s perceptions of animal care and welfare, particularly of livestock. Using an online survey of U.S. households, the study explored how ownership and classification of different animal species might impact people’s views on animal welfare in food production. Results suggest that pet ownership, particularly dogs and cats, is correlated with enhanced concern for food animal welfare.

Background and Objectives

• The study was conducted in response to growing concerns about the care and welfare of livestock animals.
• The main objective was to understand factors that may predispose people to develop concerns about animal welfare.
• Specifically, the researchers explored whether people’s experiences with, beliefs about, and emotional connections to animals influence their perceptions of animal welfare.
• The study also examined the potential impact of people’s classification of animals (as pet, livestock, or neither) and their status as pet owners on their views regarding food animal care and welfare practices.

Method

• The research utilized an online survey of 798 U.S. households conducted in June 2012.
• The survey probed into the differences in consumer sentiment towards various animal species, their classification, and variations in food animal welfare concerns between dog and/or cat owners, and those who do not own such species.

Findings

• Results revealed that 66% of the households in the survey owned at least one animal, predominantly dogs and cats.
• The majority of respondents classified dogs and cats as pets, along with rabbits and horses. However, consensus was not established for horses with some respondents classifying them as livestock animals.
• Most respondents classified beef cows, dairy cows, pigs, chickens, and turkeys as livestock, and were opposed to eating cats, dogs, and horses due to ethical or spiritual reasons.
• Dog and/or cat owners were more often found to have a source for animal welfare information compared to those who did not own these species.
• The study also found that dog and/or cat owners were more concerned about food animal welfare, both domestically raised and those raised outside the United States, compared to non-dog or -cat owners.

Conclusions

• Although a direct causal relationship could not be established, a correlation was found between pet ownership and increased concern for food animal welfare.
• The researchers suggest that this increased interest in protecting food animals may stem from interactions with and emotional connections to pets, in combination with other factors such as having a source for animal welfare information, education level, age, and gender.