This 2003 survey, conducted on behalf of the Animal Welfare Advocacy, found that the majority of respondents were not knowledgeable about the laws and enforcement of laws covering farmed animal welfare. A small majority is concerned about farmed animals, and a larger majority feels that there should be effective laws to protect these animals. Many respondents were unaware that farm animals are excluded from the Animal Welfare Act.

52% of respondents are “very” or “somewhat” concerned about the treatment of farmed animals. 82% feel that there should be effective laws protecting these animals from cruelty. 71% feel that generally speaking, farm animals are treated fairly in the U.S., and 72% say farms should be inspected by the government to ensure that the laws to protect animals from cruelty are being followed.

About 53% believe that state laws prohibit animal cruelty, while 44% believe that there are effective state and federal laws in the U.S. to protect these animals. Slightly more than one-third (36%) believe that the Animal Welfare Act is the main piece of federal legislation that sets standards for their care and that farmed animals are protected under this act. 31% falsely believe that government inspectors check farms to ensure these laws are being followed.