Contradictory views on animal welfare

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Oklahoma State University economist Bailey Norwood presented his research on how consumers feel about animal welfare to a joint meeting of animal scientists in Denver in July. 

According to Norwood, most U.S. citizens view gestation crates and pens as unethical. Educating consumers by providing objective information makes them oppose these cages more.

One third of Americans believe animals have a soul. More than two thirds "believe that God wants humans to be good stewards of animals, and placing animals in small cages does not constitute good stewardship."

Only a slight majority of people desire to ban livestock practices they believe unethical, even if products from animals raised in an ethical manner are available to them.

Most Americans do not want livestock to suffer, but care very little about making animals happy.

However, farm animal welfare "is of little relative concern" as a social issue compared to food safety and the environment.

"No matter what we think, animal welfare will be debated as an ethical issue," Norwood says. "Look for it in the ballot box, public relations battles, and lobbying. Many times, the debate will not make logical sense, but what public issue does?" BP