This 2005 “Eurobarometer” survey showed that 52% of the European Union’s citizens did not take animal welfare considerations into account when buying meat. Results, however, did support proposed legislation directed at improved treatment of farm animals and the need for better labeling.

Overall, about 74% of EU consumers believe that animal welfare can be improved through shopping choices, while 19% do not. 57% are willing to pay more for higher animal welfare products, while 34% would not. The survey also shows that consumers feel that these products are difficult to identify, with 32% of respondents feeling as if they could never identify such products while 19% feel they could identify them only rarely.

The treatment of layer hens and broiler chickens is a major concern, followed by pigs, dairy cows and calves. Those from Sweden (73%), the Netherlands (6%), Germany (65%), and Belgium (62%) felt the strongest about the conditions for laying hens. Those from Denmark (60%) felt the most strongly about protection for pigs.