PSI-21 Public perception of equine and livestock management varies by classification of horses, industry experience, and animal welfare definitions

Abstract

Abstract Classification of horses as livestock or companion animals is often contested in cases of management and welfare concerns, legislation, and educational forums. Limited data are available regarding perception of equids in relationship to animal agriculture management practices. Therefore, our objective was to test associations between livestock management practices and perception of horses as companion animals or livestock. An online survey was administered for 6 weeks to U.S. residents over age 18. Participants provided demographic information, connection to the industry, and welfare definition of choice. Management questions included 2 scenarios each—one regarding horses and a direct comparison for another livestock species. Respondents then chose which scenario was most concerning or if the scenarios were equally non-concerning (i.e. no issue) or concerning. Analyses were performed using SAS (SAS Institute, Cary, NC), with significance set at α=0.05. Multinomial logistic regression (PROC GLIMMIX) was used to test factors affecting management scenario responses. Out of 1,334 respondents, 807 (60.5%) categorized equids as companion animals; 527 (39.5%) classified equids as livestock. Welfare definition, equid classification, and industry connection significantly affected responses to every management scenario (P < 0.01). People who classified horses as livestock had 2.8 times greater odds (OR=2.8; 95%CI:1.8, 4.5) to select lack of shelter during spring months as equally non-concerning for horses and cattle rather than selecting horses without shelter as a concern compared to respondents who classified horses as companion animals. Respondents heavily connected to the equine industry were less likely (OR=0.38; 95%CI:0.19, 0.75) to select that both species without shelter were concerning rather than selecting that only horses lacking shelter was concerning compared to respondents lightly connected to the industry. Understanding associations between public perceptions of livestock management and individual’s welfare definition, equine classification and industry connection may improve our ability to educate the public regarding animal agricultural practices.