Animal Research in Spain: A Study of Public Perception and Attitudes

  1. Miguel-Batuecas, Andrea 2
  2. Fuertes-Recuero, Manuel 1
  3. Díaz Regañón, David R. 3
  4. Ortiz Díez, Gustavo 3
  5. Revuelta, Luis 1
  6. Pablo Moreno, Juan Andrés de 2
  1. 1 Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
  2. 2 Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain
  3. 3 Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Revista:
Animals

ISSN: 2076-2615

Año de publicación: 2023

Volumen: 13

Número: 12

Páginas: 2039

Tipo: Artículo

DOI: 10.3390/ANI13122039 GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openAcceso abierto editor

Otras publicaciones en: Animals

Resumen

Since the time of Hippocrates in the 4th century BC, animal research has been extensively used for various purposes up to the present day. However, the use of animals for research has also been controversial for a long time. We report the findings of a public, online questionnaire-based survey designed to assess the opinions of a sample of Spanish society regarding animal research. Demographic data and opinions were obtained from 806 respondents. The results indicated a high level of acceptance of animal research (73.1%). However, certain factors, such as completing the questionnaire immediately after a reading negative media report (OR = 2.41; 95%CI: 1.64–3.54; p < 0.001), being a woman (OR = 1.77; 95%CI: 1.24–2.53; p = 0.002) or having a non-scientific background (OR = 2.47; 95%CI: 1.76–3.47; p < 0.001), were associated with a tendency towards a more negative opinion. The opinions seemed to be influenced by gender, education level and by protest incidents reported in the media. Our results also indicate that a lot of information regarding animal welfare, such as care and handling protocols, along with legislation was unknown to individuals. Further, a growing popularity of companion species and opposition to animal experimentation for non-biomedical purposes were reflected in the responses obtained. The use of animals for research purposes emerged as a sensitive social issue in terms of concerns about animal ethics and welfare.

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