Tracking Humane Trends
A new report from the Humane Research Council
looks at the state of animal protection in the United States, and how
attitudes and consumer behavior translate into society's treatment of
animals.
Study Summary
The 21-page "Humane Trends" report
draws from 25 data sources divided into categories for companion
animals, farmed animals, wildlife and animals used in science, as well
as a category of general indicators. Each indicator has an associated
goal or target that represents what most animal advocates would consider
the ideal state for that indicator. By looking at where public
attitudes are now measured against what is considered progress for the
humane treatment of animals, the study provides both a snapshot and a
blueprint for continued activism on behalf of all species.
Policy Implications
The
study concludes that efforts to protect animals still have a long way
to go. Although companion animals are regarded and treated better than
farmed animals, even they are still killed in large numbers in a country
that claims to value them. For other species in other circumstances,
their status and treatment is even worse, despite years of activism and
education.
The category of indicators for farmed animals received
the lowest score, 4 out of 100. This is an area that needs particular
attention from the animal protection community given that it is where
the most animals are killed each year for human purposes. More than 9
billion land animals are slaughtered in this industry each year (not
including fish and other aquatic animals).
The Humane Trends study
also highlights some positive findings: 91 percent of U.S. adults think
that the welfare of companion animals is important, for instance, and
89 percent of U.S. medical schools do not require student participation
in terminal animal laboratories. These are examples of how changing
attitudes and policies can elevate support for animal protection and
marginalize egregious types of animal abuse.
The HRC report helps
quantify which areas of animal protection are strongest and weakest,
with the aim of guiding advocates and policy makers toward developing
programs that will improve protection for animals in all categories.
- Che Green, HRC (9/01/2011)
Published by admin on 12/26/2011 10:26:55
