What We Know about the Public’s Level of Concern for Farm Animal Welfare in Food Production in Developed Countries

Abstract

Simple Summary The production of food from animals poses many ethical challenges. This review explores what we know about different levels of concern for animal welfare in food production by such stakeholders as veterinarians, farmers, and the general public. Despite the general public’s level of concern for animal welfare in food production being high, their understanding and knowledge is poor. Thus, it is suggested that through widespread consciousness raising we can encourage the public to accurately translate their concerns into market drivers, in turn improving the welfare of billions of animals.Abstract Population growth and rising consumption of meat, dairy, eggs and fish are forcing the world to face the intersecting challenges of how to sustainably feed a population expected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, while also controlling the impact of food production on the planet, on people and on animals. This review acknowledges the absence of a globally accepted definition of animal welfare and then explores the literature regarding different levels of concern for animal welfare in food production by such stakeholders as veterinarians, farmers, and the general public. It focuses on the evidence that the general public’s level of concern for animal welfare is linked to various demographic and personal characteristics, such as age, gender, religion, location, meat eating, and knowledge of animal welfare. Certain animals have characteristics that influence concern for their welfare, with those species that are considered more intelligent being afforded more concern. There is compelling evidence that the general public’s understanding of animal welfare in food production is poor. Acknowledging that public concern can be a driving force to change current production methods, the authors suggest widespread consciousness raising to redefine socially acceptable methods of food production from animals and to ensure that it remains in step with societal concerns.

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

“…This suggests that those who visited livestock operations are predisposed to accept various animal uses rather than the converse. Previous research points out that the general public tends to have a high level of concern for food animal welfare but low levels of knowledge and understanding of animal welfare [31]. It could also be argued that those who visit livestock operations could be more educated about animal welfare.…”

Reducing meat consumption by appealing to animal welfare: protocol for a meta-analysis and theoretical review

“…Ethical concern about farm animal suffering is now a majority stance in several developed countries [26], yet meat consumption remains nearly universal (the "meat paradox" [27]). How does meat-eating behavior survive the resulting cognitive dissonance?…”

Why Do Farm Animal Welfare Regulations Vary Between EU Member States? A Comparative Analysis of Societal and Party Political Determinants in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK

“…Farm Animal Welfare Regulations in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK To date, no shared understanding of animal welfare exists. The societal and political importance given to animal welfare varies considerably between countries (Blokhuis et al, 2013;Broom, 1991;Cornish et al, 2016;Lundmark et al, 2014;Yeates and Main, 2008). The political definition of farm animal welfare at the EU level is inspired by the socalled five freedoms (European Commission, 2006).…”

“…Contemporary agricultural policy has to respond to an array of external challenges. Among these challenges, farm animal welfare is becoming more important (Cornish et al, 2016;Daugbjerg and Swinbank, 2012;Horgan and Gavinelli, 2006;Jones et al, 2017). Public concern for the welfare of farmed animals is high: 82 per cent of Europeans believe that they should be better protected (European Commission, 2016).…”