Animal Welfare: Perceptions Of Nonmetropolitan Nebraskans
This report details findings on questions about animal welfare from the Rural Nebraska Poll. Responses are from about 2,500 people living in rural Nebraska. A majority of respondents factored not only adequate food, water and shelter into what constitutes good animal welfare, but also considered animals having adequate space. At the same time, however, only one third agree that more regulation is needed to ensure animal welfare for farm animals.
From Executive Summary:
“Almost all rural Nebraskans recognize the importance of livestock and poultry production to the state’s economy. Ninety-seven percent agree or strongly agree with the statement that livestock and poultry production are important to Nebraska’s economy.”
“Most rural Nebraskans are familiar with livestock care practices. Over one-half (62%) of rural Nebraskans agree or strongly agree with the statement, “I am familiar with current animal care practices used to raise livestock and poultry.” Many rural Nebraskans have experience raising beef cattle, poultry and swine. They have less experience with dairy production. Four in ten rural Nebraskans are currently raising beef cattle or have in the past. One-third (33%) are currently raising poultry or have in the past and one in three have experience raising swine. Sixteen percent of rural Nebraskans have experience with dairy production.”
“Most rural Nebraskans believe animal welfare means providing adequate exercise, space and social activities for the animals in addition to food, water and shelter. The vast majority of rural Nebraskans (95%) agree that animal welfare means providing adequate food, water and shelter to livestock animals. Most rural Nebraskans (69%) agree, though, that animal welfare means more than providing adequate food, water and shelter; that it also includes adequate exercise, space and social activities for the animals.”
“Most rural Nebraskans trust livestock farmers, especially on family farms, and their veterinarians to care for their animals. Most rural Nebraskans (84%) believe livestock farmers and their veterinarians know how best to care for their animals. And, almost three-quarters (74%) believe the welfare of animals is better protected on family farms than on large, corporate farms.”
“Most rural Nebraskans believe that current regulation of the state’s livestock practices is adequate to ensure animal welfare. Just over one-half (56%) of rural Nebraskans agree that current regulation of Nebraska livestock practices is adequate to ensure the welfare of food animals. And, over one-third (36%) disagree that more regulation is needed to ensure the welfare of food animals. One in three (30%) of rural Nebraskans agree with that statement. A sizeable proportion of rural Nebraskans (approximately one-third), though, have no opinion about the adequacy of current regulation or the need for additional regulation.”
“Most rural Nebraskans believe regulation will impact the cost of food. Over one-half (57%) agree that regulation of Nebraska livestock practices will raise the cost of livestock production and the cost of food.”
The full report is available for download by following the link below.
http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/caripubs/89/