Key Findings from a National Public Opinion Survey on Animal Protection and The Humane Society of the United States

Public attitudes toward animal protection, with emphasis on opinions of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS); also includes donors’ opinions of The HSUS.

This 1999 survey among 1007 Americans, included 204 interviews among Humane Society donors.

Americans consider animals an important and valuable part of society, 73% consider animal protection from cruelty and abuse as a 4 or 5 on a five point scale of importance.

Women are consistently more favorable toward animal than men, as the similar case with HSUS donors.   66% of those surveyed say that having a pet contributes a great deal to people’s overall well being and happiness.

In general, the American public agrees with the positions of the HSUS, more than 8 out of 10 people oppose thee of the most egregious practices involving animal cruelty that the HSUS is against, the most noted being the raising of farm animals in strict confinement, the use of federal funds for trapping on national wildlife refuges and the hunting of animals for trophies.

Hunting for sport or recreation is opposed by 57% and supported by 37%.

53% feel that more must be done to protect animals from cruelty and abuse while 31% say that we are at the right balance, and 8% feel that we go too far.

50% would be more likely to support a political candidate who is an animal protection leader.

 The majority (83%) of Americans feel favorably about the HSUS.