New stats reveal we are still nation of animal lovers

New OneKind research says we still love animals but cruelty to animals is on the increase.

87 per cent of the British public still believes we are a nation of animal lovers, but over half of the same people (58%) believe the maltreatment of animals is on the rise, according to new research commissioned by OneKind.

In a statement to the media, OneKind said, "It is clear from this new poll that we Brits consider ourselves to be a nation of animal lovers. However, it is also apparent that many believe we are losing the natural bond we have with animalkind, which is why the mistreatment of animals is on the rise.”

81 per cent of those who took part in the OneKind survey said they would intervene if they saw an animal being mistreated, and 85 per cent said they would find seeing an animal suffer as  distressing as watching a person go through the same thing.

9 out of 10 people surveyed believe that animals are capable of understanding human emotions like sadness, joy and anger.

OneKind's website features a range of “OneKind Acts”, small simple suggestions on how to live a more animal-friendly life provided by members of the public and celebrities including Strictly Come Dancing’s Alesha Dixon; comedian Graham Norton; impressionist Alistair McGowan and Red Dwarf star Danny John-Jules.
 
Visitors to the site can suggest their own OneKind Act, as well as finding information on animal-friendly living, including advice on shopping and dining out.

Conservationist and television presenter Bill Oddie is amongst those contributing a OneKind Act. He said: “If you see anyone committing, allowing or encouraging animal cruelty then have the nerve to speak to them. It does take a bit of courage – and for heaven’s sake back off if they get nasty (which they can), but you may be able to convince them of the error of their ways, and save an animal from suffering. .. Please say something!“

OneKind added: “People are also waking up to the fact that protecting animals is an environmental priority, not just a nice thing to do. Animal life of all kinds is vital to sustainability and the health of our eco-system. Our survival as a species is inextricably linked to the future of the other animal life on earth.”

85% of respondents in the OneKind poll believe that if more isn’t done to protect animals it will have serious consequences for the future of the planet.

However, the survey respondents seem unsure about the best approach to tackling the problem of improving animal welfare. 40 per cent felt that better legislation was the correct approach, while 28 per cent thought the solution was to improve animal education amongst young people. However, only a small percentage (6% and 8% respectively) believe that animal welfare can be improved through  making it easier to buy animal-friendly products or by embracing an animal-friendly lifestyle. 17% believe that having a better awareness that animals think and feel like us is the most important factor in repairing the bond between people and animals.

OneKind commented:  “The results of the poll underline the challenge facing the entire animal welfare movement. There is no single solution to the problem. These different solutions are actually equally important; and yet there remains a lack of awareness amongst the general public that simple lifestyle changes can be just as significant to animal welfare as introducing new laws. This is why our work covers all of the approaches highlighted in the poll.

“We are in a similar position to the start of the green movement; with people looking in the first instance to government to fix the problem. However, in the same way as recycling and reducing our personal carbon footprint have benefited the environment, it is often the little things that people themselves do every day that collectively produce the greatest positive change. Ultimately, we hope living an animal-friendly lifestyle will become as mainstream as green living or Fairtrade.”