Wave 3 of HRC's Animal Tracker, slated for early next year, will survey a representative sample of adults in the U.S., addressing questions like knowledge of various animal issues, the influence of concern for animals on personal choices, perceived impact of the animal protection movement, and support for the movement's goal of eliminating animal suffering. We'll also be able to compare the results with findings from the baseline survey, which was conducted in early 2008.
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The Animal Tracker exists to provide advocates with a long-term perspective of attitudes and behavior among U.S. adults that relate to both animal issues and the animal protection movement. The full survey includes 15 questions in total; however, to keep costs down, we ask only 5 questions during each wave (see below for the questions that will be asked in the next wave). Once we reach Wave 5 in 2012, the project will be on a consistent schedule to provide updated results for each question every three years, on a rotated basis.
The Animal Tracker is managed by HRC, but the survey is generously sponsored by a consortium of animal protection groups. Last year we had nine sponsors. This year we would like to have even more, with the goal of eventually making this a truly collaborative project involving most major animal protection organizations (thereby reducing the costs for everyone involved). In addition to supporting collaborative research, sponsors are provided in-depth “crosstab” results, allowed to use the results publicly, and are able to ask their own questions at a discounted price.
To become a sponsor, which we expect will cost less than $750, please contact HRC today. If you’re an individual contributor who would like to support the project, our newly designed donation form gives you the option to designate this project for your funds. Just select “Animal Tracker Study” under the program area section, and thank you for the support!
Wave 3 of the Animal Tracker will field in the first quarter of 2010, with results available shortly thereafter. Following are the questions that we will ask (tentatively) – it should prove very interesting to see how people’s responses have changed from two years ago.
- Animals kept as companions or pets
- Animals raised for food
- Wildlife on public lands
- Endangered species
- Animals in zoos and aquariums
- Horses and dogs used in racing
- Animals in laboratories
- Animals in pounds or shelters
- Animals in circuses and rodeos
- Getting a new pet
- Buying food (i.e., meat, eggs, dairy)
- Voting for a political candidate
- Buying consumer products
- Buying clothing
- Attending circuses or rodeos
- Going hunting or fishing
- Going to dog or horse races
- Some animals are capable of thinking and feeling emotions
- Protecting endangered or threatened species should be a global priority
- Using animals for food is necessary for human survival
- Farm animals deserve the same consideration as pets and other animals
- People have an obligation to avoid harming all animals
- Research on animals is necessary for medical advancement
- Dissecting animals is a vital way for students to learn about anatomy
- Buying clothes made of real animal fur is ethically acceptable
- Significant impact
- Moderate impact
- Very little impact
- No impact
- Do not know
- Strongly support
- Somewhat support
- Somewhat oppose
- Strongly oppose
- Do not know
How knowledgeable do you feel about issues that affect the welfare of animals in the following circumstances? (Scale: Very knowledgeable; Somewhat knowledgeable; Not very knowledgeable; Not at all knowledgeable; Do not know)
How important to you is the protection of animals when it comes to making the following personal choices? If you never make these choices, mark “not applicable.” (Scale: Very important; Somewhat important; Not very important; Not at all important; Do not know; Not applicable)
Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? (Scale: Agree; Disagree; No opinion; Do not know)
Regardless of your personal opinion about the animal protection movement, how much of an impact do you think it has had on our nation's policies?
Do you personally support or oppose the animal protection movement's goal to minimize and eventually eliminate all forms of animal cruelty and suffering?