Animals fulfil a wide range of roles in human society. They provide food, contribute to scientific research, live alongside people as companion animals, and play important roles in education, conservation, research, and public engagement through zoos. As a result, the conditions under which animals are kept differ considerably. Although nearly all forms of animal husbandry are governed by legal regulations and oversight, public perceptions of these practices vary widely. In a study conducted at Goethe University Frankfurt, researchers compared how students assess five different forms of animal husbandry: conventional livestock farming, organic livestock farming, zoo animal husbandry, laboratory animal husbandry, and pet ownership. “Previous research has typically focused on individual areas, such as livestock farming or zoos,” says Raya Wolf, lead author of the study from the university’s Department of Biology Education and Zoo Biology. “Until now, there has been no study directly comparing public perceptions across these different forms of animal husbandry.”

The survey included 1,143 Goethe University students from a broad range of academic disciplines. Participants were asked to rate their level of concern about the various forms of animal husbandry. A clear pattern emerged: conventional livestock farming, laboratory animal husbandry and, most notably, zoo animal husbandry were viewed critically, whereas pet ownership and organic livestock farming received significantly more favorable assessments. “One of the most surprising findings was that respondents viewed zoo animal husbandry even more critically than conventional livestock farming,” says Professor Paul Dierkes, head of the Department of Biology Education and Zoo Biology. Overall, keeping animals in zoos received the most negative ratings. Although participants were not asked to explain their views, the researchers suggest that many people primarily associate zoos with entertainment rather than with species conservation or education. Public debates on social media, where discussions about zoos are often highly emotional, may also have influenced these perceptions.

The findings also reveal marked differences between demographic groups. Female students expressed greater concern than their male counterparts about almost every form of animal husbandry, with the largest gender gap observed in attitudes towards laboratory animal husbandry. Pet ownership was the only category where men and women held broadly similar views. Dietary choices also appeared to shape perceptions. Vegetarians and vegans tended to evaluate almost every form of animal husbandry more critically than omnivores. The greatest differences emerged in relation to conventional livestock farming, while vegan respondents expressed the strongest overall concerns about animal husbandry as a whole.

The study further suggests that public perceptions do not always reflect the realities of how animals are kept. Organic livestock farming, for example, was viewed much more favorably than conventional farming, even though under the standards set out in the European Union’s Organic Regulation, the practical differences between the two are often less pronounced than many people assume. “Many people automatically associate the label ‘organic’ with substantially better conditions for animals,” says Dr. Matthias Kleespies, co-author of the study and a researcher in the Department of Biology Education and Zoo Biology. “Our findings indicate that knowledge about the specific conditions under which animals are kept is sometimes limited.” By contrast, zoo animal husbandry is subject to comparatively strict regulatory requirements, including Germany’s Mammal Husbandry Guidelines and regular inspections, yet it received particularly negative evaluations. Meanwhile, breaches of animal welfare legislation are more likely to occur in private pet ownership. Although most owners care responsibly for their animals, private households are inspected only in exceptional circumstances.

The researchers believe similar knowledge gaps exist in relation to other forms of animal husbandry, particularly laboratory animal research and zoo animal husbandry, where public understanding is often limited. At the same time, emotional responses and personal values appear to play an important role in shaping attitudes. The authors therefore argue that there is a growing need for clear communication and public education. “Public perceptions of animal husbandry influence political debates and can ultimately shape future legislation,” says Wolf. “Understanding how different forms of animal husbandry are perceived – and the factors that drive those perceptions – is therefore essential.” Although the study is not representative of society as a whole, it offers valuable insights into how university students view different forms of human-animal relationships. The researchers conclude that further studies are needed to examine in greater depth the knowledge, assumptions, and emotional factors underlying these attitudes.


Image for download: https://www.uni-frankfurt.de/188771847

Caption: Animals can be cared for in many different ways. A study conducted by Goethe University Frankfurt reveals how students assess various forms of animal husbandry. (Photo: Volker Wenzel / GU)