No abstract

This study employed an online survey to investigate the nonhuman animal welfare atti tudes and behaviors of 104 social work students (85% female) enrolled in a Hispanicserving university near the U.S.-Mexico border. Approximately three-fourths of the respondents were moderately or very concerned about animal welfare issues. Level of concern about animal welfare issues was significantly related to four pro-animal welfare behaviors: making one's yard friendly to small animals, encouraging others to adopt rather than purchase companion animals, purchasing products labeled "not tested on animals," and avoiding meat and dairy products. Female respondents had significantly higher scores on the Animal Attitude Scale, indicating more positive attitudes toward animals, and women and graduate students were significantly more likely to purchase products labeled "not tested on animals." The findings of the study suggest that social workers are potential allies for animal welfare advocates. Keywordsanimal welfare attitudes -animal welfare orientations -treatment of animals -uses of animals -social workers -Latinos