The Public Image Of The Animal Protection Movement

This report provides a summary and analysis of public opinion research relating to the image and credibility of the animal protection movement, based on secondary research collected in March 2004. Animal protection groups have made significant progress in raising awareness of animal-related issues, but it is clear that animal issues are not among the most visible issues on the public agenda.

• In 2001, only 47% of the public could name an animal rights group by name.
• Also, according to a Gallup poll (2000), animal rights groups had less of an impact on public policy than all other social movement groups mentioned.

Overall, the public appears to have some respect for and a generally favorable impression of the AR movement.

• Several studies showed that around two-thirds of those polled had a favorable opinion of the AR movement. A similar question posed showed that only 47% of females had a favorable opinion, but at the same time, a larger percentage (18%) had “no opinion” on the subject.

In general, the public seems to agree with the goals of the animal rights movement at a high level, but a majority feel that current laws are adequate or already go too far. Volunteering with animal rights groups seems to have increased over the past ten years although monetary contributions over the same time period have remained flat.