Public Trusts Farmers on Animal Welfare

September 2, 1999

A survey sponsored by the Animal Industry Foundation finds the public trusts farmers and ranchers to care for animals and practice animal welfare; 94% say consumers should have the right to choose what they eat and not be dictated to by a small minority of animal welfare activists.

The survey showed that the public generally is skeptical of claims by animal rights activists. Among the lowest ranked for credibility on farm animal treatment, at only 35%, were "well known actors" who often are the main messengers for animal rights groups.

Eighty-four percent of those responding said they trusted ranchers' messages on farm animal well being; veterinarians ranked highest in that category at 94% with university professors were trusted by 83%.

The survey also found that 90% of the respondents agreed that while it is important to be concerned about how farm animals are treated, there is nothing wrong with humans raising animals solely for food. Ninety-four percent said consumers should have the right to choose what they eat and 88% thought farmers and ranchers "do a good job of producing healthy food at reasonable prices."