Chinese University Students' Attitudes Toward the Ethical Treatment and Welfare of Animals

In general, students expressed strong overall concern for the ethical treatment of animals. In China, however, there is significant inconsistency between self-reported concern for animal welfare and the actual treatment of animals in society.

Based on a survey of 297 Chinese university students using the 5-point Likert scale (5 = strongly agree, 1 = strongly disagree), respondents rated 20 animal welfare-related items. The mean scores are summarized below:

• It is morally wrong to hunt wild animals just for sport (4.23)
• I do not think there is anything wrong with using animals in medical research (3.66)
• There should be extremely stiff penalties, including jail sentences, for people who participate in cockfighting (3.64)
• The skins of wild animals should not be made into fur coats (3.99)
• There is nothing morally wrong with hunting wild animals for food (3.12)
• I think people who object to raising animals for meat are too sentimental (3.55)
• Much of the scientific research done with animals is unnecessary and cruel (3.39)
• I think it is perfectly acceptable for cattle to be raised for human consumption (3.86)
• The slaughter of whales and dolphins should be immediately stopped even if it means some people will be put out of work (4.06)
• I sometimes get upset when I see wild animals in cages at zoos (4.01)
• In general, I think that human economic gain is more important than setting aside more land for wildlife (2.99)
• Too much fuss is made over the welfare of animals these days when there are many problems that need to be solved (3.8)
• Breeding animals for their skins is a legitimate use of animals (3.36)
• Some aspects of biology can only be learned through dissecting preserved animals (3.54)
• Continued research with animals will be necessary if we are to ever conquer diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and AIDS (2.85)
• It is unethical to breed purebred dogs for pets when millions of dogs are killed in animal shelters yearly. (3.39)
• The production of inexpensive meat, eggs, and dairy products justifies maintaining animals in crowded conditions (3.32)
• The use of animals such as rabbits for testing the safety fo cosmetics and household products is unnecessary and should be stopped (3.77)
• The use of animals in circuses is cruel (3.68)