Of Fur, Feather, and Fin: Human’s Use and Concern for Non-Human Species

Abstract

Simple SummaryAn online survey of 825 U.S. residents was conducted to determine the level of approval for several uses of animals. More than 90% of respondents reported that using animals for egg production, service or therapy, pets, and milk production was acceptable to them. Older and male respondents more frequently found most of the animal uses surveyed acceptable. Half of respondents reported concern for the welfare of bison while 40% or more stated concern for the welfare of elk, beef cattle, and dairy cattle. Reported concern for animal species and acceptance of the use of animals were related in some instances. Respondents who stated they were concerned for the welfare of dairy cattle less frequently reported accepting using animals for meat production, livestock shows, and hunting.AbstractThe public’s concern for animal welfare is evolving and it is important to consider factors that are related to concern for animals and their use by humans. An online survey of 825 U.S. residents was conducted. Relationships between approval of animal uses and stated concern for animal welfare were examined. More than 90% of respondents reported that using animals for egg production, service or therapy, pets, and milk production was acceptable to them. Respondents who were younger or reported being female less frequently found most uses acceptable than older or male respondents. Half of respondents reported concern for the welfare of bison while 40% or more stated concern for the welfare of elk, beef cattle, and dairy cattle. Respondents who stated they were concerned for the welfare of dairy cattle less frequently reported accepting using animals for meat production, livestock shows, and hunting. Thus, self-reported concern for animal species and acceptance of the use of animals were related in some instances. A better understanding of the factors related to acceptance of animal uses and concern for animal welfare will help animal-related industries and wildlife agencies develop practices that are consistent with public attitudes.

An update on environmental mastitis: Challenging perceptions

“…In dairy cattle, mastitis is a major cause of biological inefficiency or waste, for example, through lower yields, increased culling, discarded milk and impacts on fertility (Halasa et al, 2007;Seegers, Fourichon, & Beaudeau, 2003). In addition, mastitis affects animal welfare, which is highly valued in many industrialized countries (Byrd, Widmar, & Fulton, 2017;Tremetsberger, Leeb, & Winckler, 2015). Thus, there are many reasons to control mastitis in dairy cattle.…”

Happy Hens or Healthy Eggs: A Content Analysis of Supermarket Egg Box Graphics.

“…Concern for farm animal welfare varies across Europe, but is generally stronger in Northern countries such as the UK and Germany, and more pronounced among people not directly involved in farming [13,14]. In a US-based survey, over 90% of respondents reported that using animals for egg production was acceptable to them, although 38% expressed some concern for the welfare of chickens [35]. The observation that the majority of egg boxes (31/50) examined in this study express some message regarding hen welfare (Table 2), reflects how the industry acknowledges this concern amongst consumers [5].…”

Animal welfare, social license, and wildlife use industries

“…For comparison, societal awareness of the importance of biodiversity is a more mature social issue than animal welfare and matured rapidly throughout the 1990s (Hill et al ) to the point where it would be widely considered to be a normalized issue today. Over the past 2 decades, animal welfare has expanded from a fringe movement in the emergence phase to a mainstream societal concern approaching normalization in many post‐industrial countries (Byrd et al ).…”