Attitudes Of Wildlife Damage Managers And Animal Activists

This analysis of Animal Rights Information Education Services (ARIES) and National Animal Damage Control Association (NADCA) members found that both groups differ greatly on background and interests, as well their attitudes about human uses of animals. This study finds that attempts to bring these groups together for discussion should recognize that there is little common ground between the two and proceed accordingly.

Extreme disparities exists between subscribers of the Animal Rights Information and Education Service (ARIES) and National Animal Damage Control Association (NADCA) members on human uses of animals. This finding casts doubt on the likelihood of the success of “joint” meetings to arrive at “common ground.”

When asked to indicate categories included in their general definition of “animal,” again ARIES and NADCA respondents differed significantly in their ratings. Both groups categorized mammals as animals, but fewer NADCA respondents categorize the remaining groups as members of the animal kingdom. NADCA members generally included only vertebrates in their classification of animals.

Both groups also differ in the types of animal-oriented activities in which they participate, although they are similar to each other when it comes to membership in local zoological garden organizations and past pet ownership. NADCA respondents are more involved in consumptive uses of wildlife, such as hunting and fishing.

Demographically, the NADCA group is comprised mostly of males ages 40 and older. More NADCA members indicated a rural background when compared with ARIES members. The ARIES group is predominantly female, with a greater proportion of members aged 40 years or less.