The Animal Tracker (Wave 1 – June 2008)

This report summarizes results from Wave 1 of the Faunalytics’s “Animal Tracker” survey of U.S. adults regarding their attitudes and behavior toward animals. This inaugural survey of 16 core questions shows strong support for the protection of all animals. The strength of that support varies by situation and species, however, and actual behavior does not always reflect the favorable attitudes identified.

The following summary is excerpted from the full report:

• 72% of U.S. adults have a “favorable” opinion of the animal protection (AP) movement.
• 32% give AP groups “significant” credibility regarding information about animal welfare.
• Many people “strongly support” using anti-cruelty investigations (47%), the media (37%), and speaking in schools (33%) to advocate for animals.
• 44% think the AP movement has had a “moderate” or “significant” impact.
• 43% have talked or heard about AP “frequently” or “occasionally” in the past three months.
• A majority say they are “not very” or “not at all” knowledgeable about each of the animal issues listed except companion animals.
• 78% or more believe the welfare and protection of animals is “very” or “somewhat” important for all of the animal situations listed.
• 38% say it is “very” important that students of all ages are taught humane education.
• 73% have watched wildlife, 25% have donated to an AP group, 19% have adopted an animal, and 5% have volunteered for an animal group in the past year.
• Concern for animals has caused 58% of people to spay/neuter their pets, 31% to sign an animal-related petition, and 20% to vote for an animal-friendly candidate.
• 40% would “strongly support” a law requiring that farmed animals are given enough space to behave naturally.
• 35% “strongly support” the specific goal to “minimize and eventually eliminate all forms of animal cruelty and suffering.”