Humane Treatment of Animals Poll - Executive Summary

December 3, 2010

WSPA – Humane Treatment of Animals

Animal Cruelty The majority of Canadians support one of the core goals of the animal protection movement, which is to minimize and eventually eliminate all forms of animal cruelty and suffering (88%). Women continue to show more support for animal welfare, as they are more likely than men to support this goal (91% vs. 84%). Those who are likely to vote Conservative (78%) are less likely to support this animal protection movement compared to those likely to vote Liberal (89%), NDP (95%), BQ (97%) or Green (89%). Those who have rarely/never hunted or fished in the past year are more likely than those who have often/sometimes hunted or fished to support the movement (91% vs. 74%).

Virtually all Canadians (95%) agree that animal pain and suffering should be reduced as much as possible, even in those cases in which the animals are raised to be slaughtered, and 93% would support laws aimed at ensuring that all farm animals are at least able to lie down, turn around, stretch their limbs and/or spread their wings. Women are more likely than men to support this law (95% vs. 90%). Those likely to vote BQ (99%) are more likely than those likely to vote Liberal (94%) or Conservative (93%) to agree that animal pain and suffering should be reduced as much as possible.

While a majority of Conservative voters would support laws aimed at ensuring all farm animals are given enough room to lie down, turn around, and stretch their limbs and/or spread their wings (87%), they are least likely to show support – vs. Liberals (94%), NDP (98%), BQ (96%), and Green (95%).

Canadians would support the amendments the Canadian humane societies and other animal welfare groups are working to improve in Canada’s federal animal cruelty laws. The majority of Canadians would personally support amendments that: recognize animals are sentient (87%), make laws against cockfighting every bit as strong as those against dog fighting (87%), create new offences making it illegal to poison, injure or kill a police dog or horse (85%) and making it a more serious crime to brutally and viciously kill animals (84%). Just over three‐quarters (78%) would support removing a loophole that allows animal owners to escape prosecution for neglecting their animals unless it can be proven the neglect was willful intent. Almost three‐quarters (73%) of Canadians would personally support the recognition that animals are more than property by removing animal cruelty crimes from the Crimes Against Property section of Canada’s Criminal Code, and many would support removing a loophole that allows animal abusers to escape prosecution by arguing the animal died quickly (72%).

Page 1 of 7

Regionally, those in British Columbia (83%) and Alberta (82%) are more likely than the rest of Canada to support removing a loophole that allows animal abusers to escape prosecution by arguing the animal died quickly.

Women are more likely than men to support some of these amendments, including creating new offences making it a more serious crime to brutally and viciously kill animals (89% vs. 79%) and making it illegal to poison, injure or kill a police dog or horse (88% vs. 82%), and removing a loophole that allows animal abusers to escape prosecution by arguing the animal died quickly (77% vs. 68%).

Support for amendments Make laws against cockf ighting as strong as those against dog f ighting

87%

Recognize that animals are sentient

87%

1% 11%

2%

New of f ence making it illegal to “poison, injure or kill” a police dog or horse

85%

1% 12%

2%

New of f ence making it a more serious crime to “brutally and viciously kill” animals

84%

13%

2%

Removing a loophole allowing animal owners to escape prosecution f or neglecting their animals unless it can be proven the neglect was "wilf ul" in intent

1% 11% 1%

1%

Recognize that animals are more than “property” by removing animal cruelty crimes f rom the Crimes Against Property section of Canada’s Criminal Code

73%

1%

Removing a loophole allowing animal abusers to escape prosecution by arguing the animal died quickly

72%

1%

0%

20% Support

40% Indif f erent

18%

1%

78%

60% Oppose

4%

8%

18%

24%

80%

2%

100%

Don't know/ref used

Support for these amendments vary by vote intent: • Make laws against cockfighting every bit as strong as those against dog fighting: BQ (94%) vs.

Conservatives (86%) • Recognize that animals are sentient: NDP (90%), BQ (91%), Green (91%) vs. Conservatives (81%) • Creating a new offence making it a more serious crime to brutally and viciously kill animals: Liberals (86%), NDP (88%), BQ (88%), Green (87%) vs. Conservatives (75%) • Removing a loophole that allows animal owners to escape prosecution for neglection their animals unless it can be proven the neglect was willful in intent: Green (84%) vs.

Conservatives (72%)

Page 2 of 7

•

Recognize that animals are more than property by removing animal cruelty crimes from the Crimes Against Property section of Canada’s Criminal Code: NDP (81%) and Green (78%) vs.

Conservatives (66%)

Those who have rarely/never hunted or fished in the past year are also more likely than those who have often/sometimes hunted or fished in the past year to support some of the amendments, including making laws against cockfighting every bit as strong as those against dog fighting (89% vs.

79%), creating a new offence making it a more serious crime to brutally and viciously kill animals (87% vs. 72%), recognizing that animals are more than property by removing animal cruelty crimes from the Crimes Against Property section of Canada’s Criminal Code (75% vs. 64%), and removing a loophole that allows animal abusers to escape prosecution by arguing the animal died quickly (75% vs. 62%).

Before learning about current animal cruelty laws, half (49%) of Canadians indicated they think Canada’s existing animal cruelty laws are too weak, while just over one‐third (36%) think the animal cruelty laws are just right. Women are more likely to think the laws are too weak (56%), while men are more likely to think they are just right (42%). Those likely to vote NDP (60%) or Green Party (65%) in the next election are more likely than those who are likely to vote Liberal (44%), Conservative (39%), or BQ (39%) to believe our current animal cruelty laws are too weak; however, those likely to vote Liberal (45%), Conservative (47%), or BQ (55%) are more likely to think the existing laws are just right. Others who think Canada’s existing animal cruelty laws are too weak include: those who live in a city (52%), those who placed animal welfare as one of their top 3 most important issues (63%), those who think the welfare and protection of animals raised for food is important (51%), those who support a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (52%), those who often or sometimes purchase free‐run eggs (55%), and those who rarely or never go hunting/fishing (52%).

The welfare and protection of animals is important to Canadians in many situations: • Endangered species (97%); • Animals kept as companions or pets (94%); • Wildlife (94%); • Animals in zoos and aquariums (91%); • Animals raised for food (90%); • Animals in laboratories (86%); • Animals in circuses and rodeos (85%); and, • Horses and dogs used in racing (83%).

Page 3 of 7

There are a couple of noteworthy trends regarding the importance of the welfare and protection of animals. While both men and women are equally likely to see the importance in protecting endangered species, animals kept as companions or pets, wildlife, and animals in zoos and aquariums, women are more likely than men to think it’s important to protect animals raised for food (93% vs. 86%), in laboratories (91% vs. 81%), in circuses and rodeos (88% vs. 82%), and horses and dogs used in racing (86% vs. 80%). Also, those who support the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare are significantly more likely to see the importance of the welfare and protection of animals in most of these situations, including animals kept as companions or animals (95% vs. 82%), wildlife (95% vs. 81%), animals in zoos and aquariums (92% vs. 79%), animals raised for food (92% vs. 61%), animals in laboratories (88% vs. 61%), and animals in circuses and rodeos (86% vs. 71%).

Almost all Canadians agree that the Canadian government should support a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare at the United Nations (91%). Women are more likely than men to show support (95% vs. 88%). While most Conservative voters would support a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare at the United Nations (84%), they are the least likely party to do so (vs. Liberals (92%), NDP (97%), BQ (97%), and Green (96%)). Also, those who have rarely/never hunted or fished in the past year are more likely to support this Universal Declaration (93% vs. 83%).

Corporate/Social Responsibility Fair wages (53%), employee working conditions (42%), and animal welfare (41%) are the top 3 issues that are most important to Canadians regarding corporate social responsibility in the grocery and restaurant sectors. Women are more likely than men to indicate animal welfare is one of their top 3 most important issues (46% vs. 36%). Animal welfare is also important to today’s youth – two‐thirds (67%) of those aged 18‐24 put animal welfare in the top 3 most important issues. Income is another factor – those whose household income is $40k or less (50%) also see the importance. Green party supporters (53%) are also more likely to include animal welfare in their top 3 (vs. Liberals at 35%, Conservatives at 36%, NDP at 44%, and BQ at 34%). Other groups of people who are more likely to place animal welfare as one of their top 3 issues include: those who think the welfare and protection of animals raised for food is important (43%), those who would support a Universal Declaration (44%), and those who often/sometimes consume meat or dairy substitutes (45%).

Most Canadians think it’s important that they be able to buy cage‐free meat and eggs at their local grocery store or supermarket (84%), with half (49%) indicating it’s very important. Those likely to vote Liberal (84%), NDP (91%), or Green (90%) are more likely than those likely to vote Conservative (75%) to believe it’s important to be able to buy cage‐free meat and eggs at their local grocery store or supermarket.

Page 4 of 7

Most Canadians would support Canada adopting labeling standards similar to the European Union, which would make it mandatory that all eggs sold be labeled according to method of production (89%). Women are more likely than men to support these standards (91% vs. 87%). Canadians who rarely/never hunt or fish are more likely than those who hunt or fish at least occasionally to support Canada adopting these labeling standards (91% vs. 82%). Again, those likely to vote Liberal (92%), BQ (95%), or Green (96%) are more likely than those likely to vote Conservative (82%) to support these labeling standards.

To better ensure the humane treatment of animals, most Canadians think grocery stores should stock more cage‐free eggs and cage‐free pork (84%). The younger generation – those aged 18‐34 – are more likely than their older counterparts to agree (93% vs. 81%). Those who have rarely/never gone hunting or fishing in the past year are more likely than those who have hunted or fished at least occasionally to agree (86% vs. 76%). Those likely to vote Conservative are less likely to think grocery stores should stock more cage‐free eggs and cage‐free pork (71%) vs. Liberal (87%), NDP (89%), BQ (92%), and Green (91%).

Fewer Canadians agree that grocery stores should sell only cage‐free eggs and cage‐free pork to better ensure the humane treatment of animals (68%). However, women are more likely than men to agree (73% vs. 63%). Interestingly, those whose household income is less than $40k are more likely than those whose household income is over $100k to agree (72% vs. 62%). Those who rarely/never hunt or fish continue to be more likely to agree (71% vs. 56%). Again, Conservatives are least likely to support this initiative (52%) vs. Liberal (64%), NDP (75%), BQ (80%), and Green (84%).

Almost three‐quarters (72%) of Canadians agree that restaurants should only use cage‐free eggs and cage‐free pork to better ensure the humane treatment of animals. Regionally, those in Manitoba/Saskatchewan are least likely to agree (54%). Women are more likely than men to agree (78% vs. 66%). Again, Canadians who rarely/never hunt or fish are more likely to agree (74% vs.

63%). Conservatives continue to be least likely to show support, with 54% agreeing vs. Liberal (70%), NDP (82%), BQ (80%), and Green (84%).

Page 5 of 7

To better ensure the humane treatment of animals…

Agree Grocery stores should stock more cage-f ree eggs and cage-f ree pork

38%

Restaurants should only use cagef ree eggs and cage-free pork

46%

29%

Grocery stores should sell only cagefree eggs and cage-f ree pork

43%

26%

0%

20%

42%

20% Strongly agree

40% Agree

Disagree

11%

23%

60% Strongly disagree

80%

3%2%

84%

5% 3%

72%

6% 2%

68%

100%

Don't know/ref used

Canadians take various steps to help improve the welfare of animals. In the past year, almost half (45%) of Canadians have at least occasionally purchased free run, free range, cage free, SPCA certified or certified organic eggs, specifically 26% have done so often and 20% occasionally. Regionally, British Columbians are significantly more likely to have purchased these types of eggs at least occasionally in the past year (59%). Not surprisingly, those with a household income of $60k or more are more likely than those whose income is less than $60k to purchase these types of eggs at least occasionally (55% vs. 38%). Those who have consumed a meat or dairy substitute at least occasionally in the past year are also more likely to have purchased these types of eggs in the past year (54% vs. 33%).

In the past year, just over half (55%) of Canadians have consumed a meat or dairy substitute at least occasionally, specifically 34% have done so often and 21% sometimes. Regionally, Quebecers are more likely to have consumed a meat or dairy substitute often during the past year (48%), while Albertans are more likely to have rarely consumed meat or dairy substitutes (30%), and those in Manitoba/Saskatchewan are more likely to have never consumed a meat or dairy substitute in the past year (47%). Women are more likely than men to have at least sometimes consumed a meat or dairy substitute (58% vs. 51%). Other groups that are more likely to have consumed a meat or dairy substitute in the past year include: those who live in a city (59%), those who placed animal welfare as one of their top 3 most important issues (60%), those who support the Universal Declaration (56%), and those who purchase free‐run eggs at least sometimes (66%).

Page 6 of 7

In the past year, I have personally…

Watched wildlif e

Donated to an animal group

Visited a zoo or aquarium

Gone hunting or fishing

5%

Gone to a circus with animals 1% 5%

20% Of ten

45%

41%

28%

20%

13%

79%

15%

0%

3%

77%

10%

8%

55%

68%

12%

9%

11%

40% Sometimes

60% Rarely

Never

85%

2%

45%

26%

22%

7%

6%

42%

16%

24%

17%

36%

15%

20%

26%

29%

14%

21%

34%

Purchased free run, free range, cage free, SPCA certified or certif ied organic eggs

9%

28%

57%

Consumed a meat substitute or a dairy substitute

Volunteered f or an animal group

Of ten/ Sometimes

6% 80%

100%

Don't know/ref used

In the past year, 20% of Canadians have gone hunting or fishing often or sometimes. Those in Manitoba/ Saskatchewan are more likely than the rest of Canada to have done hunted or fished at least occasionally (32%). Men are more likely than women to have hunted/fished in the past year (28% vs. 12%). Those who live in rural areas (28%) and those who don’t support the Universal Declaration (37%) are also more likely to have gone hunting or fishing at least occasionally during the past year. Those likely to vote Conservative (29%) are also more likely to have hunted or fished at least occasionally in the past year (vs. Liberals (17%), NDP (17%), and Green (12%)).

If their personal choice to purchase cage‐free eggs led to the more humane treatment of farm animals, almost three‐quarters (72%) of Canadians would be willing to pay a little more (about 20 cents) per egg. Regionally, those in Manitoba/Saskatchewan are least likely to be willing (58%).

Women (77%) are more likely than men (66%) to be willing to pay a little more per egg. Those who rarely/never hunt or fish are more likely than those who hunt/fish more frequently to be willing to pay a bit more for their eggs (75% vs. 59%). Conservatives are least likely to be willing to pay a little more per egg (58%) vs. Liberal (73%), NDP (80%), BQ (73%), and Green (89%).

About the survey This study was commissioned by WSPA and conducted by Harris/Decima via telephone from October 26th to November 7th, 2010. A total of 1,007 Canadians were surveyed. The associated margin of error is +/‐3.1%, 19 times out of 20.

Page 7 of 7