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Issue Description
Eight out of ten people believe that animal welfare is a key priority for a civilised society, according to RSPCA figures. However, there is much debate over issues such as the fur trade, intensive farming, hunting with dogs and the use of animals in scientific and medical research experiments. Is it acceptable for animals to suffer if it will benefit humans? This book looks at the ethical issues surrounding the rights and welfare needs of animals.
The information comes from a variety of sources, including government reports and statistics, newspapers and magazine articles, surveys and polls, academic research and literature from charities and lobby groups; articles have been tailored to an 11 to 14 age group. Additionally, at the end of each chapter are two pages of activities relating to the articles and issues raised in that chapter.
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Key Facts
- Eight out of ten people believe that animal welfare is a key priority for a civilised society, according to new figures produced by the RSPCA – compared to just five out of ten who believed it two years ago. (page 2)
- 2007 figures show that 85 per cent of chickens bred for meat are still raised in poor conditions, and 62 per cent of eggs still come from caged chickens. (page 2)
- Worldwide, more than 40 million animals are killed for their fur – 85% are bred and killed on fur farms and the rest are trapped in the wild. (page 3)
- In a recent survey, nearly three-quarters, 73% of respondents, said that fox hunting should remain illegal, while nearly a quarter, 22%, felt it should be made legal. Related figures for deer hunting were 81% vs 12% and for hare hunting and coursing 82% vs 12%. (page 12)
- The majority of animals used for medical research are rodents and all are bred especially for research. Of all the animals used, 84% (roughly eight out of ten) are mice or rats, 12% are fish, amphibians or birds, 2.1% are sheep, cows or pigs, 1.5% are rabbits or ferrets and 0.3% are dogs and cats. (page 15)
- 82% of males and 59% of females agreed with the statement: ‘Yes, testing new medical treatments on animals is acceptable.’ (page 16)
- Globally an estimated 115 million animals are used in laboratories each year. (page 18)
- Any researcher planning to use animals in their research must first show why there is no other option and what will be done to keep numbers and suffering as low as possible. (page 23)
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Table of Contents
Chapter One: Welfare Issues
The Animal Welfare Act 2006, Animal welfare in the UK, The fur trade, Fur fast facts, The cost of cheap meat, Intensive farming saves lives, Hunting with dogs (fox hunting), Opinions on hunting with dogs, Activities.
Chapter Two: Animal Experiments
Animal experiments, What’s wrong with animal experiments?, Animal experiments – statistics, The three Rs, Activities.
