Omnibus Survey Results
89% of Americans agree that humane education (lessons about kindness to animals and responsible pet care) should be part of the academic efforts to encourage good character in children, 62% strongly agree.
With respect to the use of animals used in testing:
- 75% disapprove of animal use in testing when animals experience sever pain or distress, while 57% strongly disapprove
- 60% disapprove of research that causes animals a moderate amount of pain and distress while 37% strongly disapprove
- 33% disapprove of the use of animals in research when the animals experience little or no pain or distress while 62% approve
Americans are supportive (62%) of chimpanzee research for health problems such as AIDS. Hepatitis or the safety of a new drug or vaccine, if there is no mention of pain.
The majority of Americans (54%) believe that commercial whaling still occurs on a widespread basis and 63% believe that whale hunting should be banned.
57% oppose greyhound racing, with the most likely to be opposed being women (67%), and those living in the Northeast (61%) or in urban areas (62%).
43% of Americans cannot spontaneously name an animal protection organization, although the most named were the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) (14%) and the Humane Society (13%).
When given a list of 5 national animal protection organizations, HSUS was considered the most effective (28%), followed by the ASPCA (26%) and PETA in last place (10%). Greenpeace (19%) and PETA(23%) were considered the least effective in terms of animal protection. A majority (57%) of Americans, particularly those under 35 years with higher incomes, have dissected vertebrate animals during middle or high school.
75% of Americans have visited an animal shelter within the last 10 years, 37% within the last 6 months or year. Of these visitors, 51% went to adopt a pet, 9% went for educational information, 8% to give up a pet, and 7% to turn in a stray animal. 21% have never visited an animal shelter.
60% of Americans own a pet. Pet owners have dogs (68%), cats (50%), fish (9%), and birds (6%).