International perceptions of animals and the importance of their welfare
International perceptions of animals and the importance of their welfare
Authors
Sinclair, Michelle
Lee, Natasha Y. P.
Hotzel, Maria Jose
de Luna, Maria Catalina T.
Sharma, Arvind
Idris, Musadiq
Derkley, Tessa
Li, Congcong
Islam, Mohammad Ariful
Iyasere, Oluwaseun S.
Navarro, Grisel
Ahmed, Abdelkareem A.
Khruapradab, Chanadda
Curry, Michael
Burns, Georgette Leah
Marchant, Jeremy N.
Lee, Natasha Y. P.
Hotzel, Maria Jose
de Luna, Maria Catalina T.
Sharma, Arvind
Idris, Musadiq
Derkley, Tessa
Li, Congcong
Islam, Mohammad Ariful
Iyasere, Oluwaseun S.
Navarro, Grisel
Ahmed, Abdelkareem A.
Khruapradab, Chanadda
Curry, Michael
Burns, Georgette Leah
Marchant, Jeremy N.
Authors
Date
Datos de publicaciĆ³n:
FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE,Vol.3,,2022
Keywords
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Abstract
Our perceptions shape our intentions, our motivations, our behavior, and in doing so, our reality. In this age of the Anthropocene, our perceptions also impact the lives and welfare of other animals. One of the key principles associated with the success of international animal welfare initiatives is an understanding of local audiences and contexts. Additionally, culture by country has been demonstrated to be a significant determinant of attitudes to animals and their welfare. Within this study, we surveyed 4,291 members of the general public on their perceptions of animals and animal welfare across 14 geographically and culturally diverse countries; Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, China, India, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Sudan, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States. For many countries included in this study, this constitutes the first time research of this nature has been conducted. Most participants across all countries agreed that the welfare of both farmed animals and companion animals was important to them, and that laws that protect that welfare were also important. The notion that humans always care more for companion animals in comparison to farmed animals is challenged, as is the notion that care for the welfare of animals is a trademark of highly developed nations alone. It is proposed that the utility of the animals, and proximity by way of exposure are more significant than companionship in some countries, particularly those that are engaged with subsistence farming. Important differences exist by country, and the findings have been presented within the context of each country, for ease of incorporation into localized strategy where suitable.