Perception Of Welfare Research Articles

The Organizational Climate in Collegiate Athletics: An Athletic Trainer's Perspective.

An organizational climate is largely based on an employee's perceptions of the working conditions in which he or she engages regularly. A multifaceted concept, the organizational climate is often formed by perceptions of employee welfare, rewards, and support. Achieving work-life balance is also a part of the climate. To learn collegiate athletic trainers' perceptions of organizational climate and specifically how it may pertain to their work-life balance. Phenomenologic study. Collegiate practice setting. Thirty athletic trainers working in the collegiate athletics setting took part in 1-on-1 phone interviews. The participants were 30.5 (interquartile range [IQR] = 7.75) years old and had been certified for 7 (IQR = 5) years and at their current position for 4 (IQR = 3) years. Participants completed a phone interview that followed a semistructured framework. All transcribed interviews were analyzed using a phenomenologic approach. Researcher triangulation, expert review, and data saturation were used to establish credibility. Athletic trainers working in the collegiate athletics setting who had positive perceptions of their work-life balance described their organizational climate as family friendly. Our participants' supervisors allowed for autonomy related to work scheduling, which provided opportunities for work-life balance. These athletic trainers believed that they worked in a climate that was collegial, which was helpful for work-life balance. In addition, the importance of placing family first was part of the climate. The perceptions of our participants revealed a climate of family friendliness, supervisor support, and collegiality among staff members, which facilitated the positive climate for work-life balance. The mindset embraced the importance of family and recognized that work did not always have to supersede personal priorities.

Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and maternal depressive symptoms: Moderation by program perception

RationalePrevious studies have observed an association between participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and depression, which is contrary to SNAP's potential to alleviate food insecurity and financial strain. ObjectiveThis study investigated the impact of change in SNAP participation status on maternal depression, and whether perceptions of government assistance moderate this association. MethodsData were from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS). Logistic regression models with individual-specific fixed-effects, were fit to SNAP-eligible mothers who changed SNAP participation and depression status (N = 256) during waves 2 to 4. Perceptions of government assistance were defined as feelings of humiliation or loss of freedom and tested for interactions with SNAP participation. ResultsPerceptions of government assistance moderated the association between SNAP participation and depression (p-interaction = 0.0208). Those with positive perceptions of welfare had 0.27 (95% CI = 0.08 to 0.89) times lower odds of depression when enrolled vs. not enrolled in SNAP. Among those with negative perceptions of welfare, SNAP enrollment was not associated with depression (OR = 1.13; 95% CI = 0.85 to 1.51). ConclusionEvidence suggests that SNAP mental health benefits may be context specific. SNAP's capacity to improve mental health may depend on individual perceptions of government assistance. More research is needed to determine whether interventions aimed at mitigating negative perceptions of programs like SNAP could ameliorate poor mental health among program participants.

Measuring Hope: A Quantitative Approach with Validation in Rural Myanmar

ABSTRACTDevelopment economists are increasingly considering the role of hope in behaviours relating to investment, production, and consumption decisions of the poor. Although several studies have examined how the concepts of hope and aspirations may fit into economic theories, empirical studies have yet to validate a reliable measurement of hope. We adapt a quantitative approach to measure hope in the context of rural Myanmar. We present three tests of measurement validity. This study finds that hope measurements are correlated with covariates in a way supported by theory, are distinct from other psychological concepts, and are positively correlated with welfare perceptions.

Application of theory of planned behaviour in purchasing intention and consumption of Halal food

PurposeFood businesses provide Halal food to cater to the dietary requirements of Muslims, especially in communities with a growing number of the ethnic minority and at public institutions such as higher education establishments. A large and growing body of literature has investigated the purchasing and consumption behaviour of Halal food, and there are also studies that revealed consumers who do not support Halal food products on the grounds of animal welfare where animals were slaughtered without stunning. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine the predictors of purchasing intention of Halal food products and perceptions of animal welfare among Muslims and non-Muslim consumers of a public higher education institution.Design/methodology/approachAn online questionnaire collected information on sociodemographic profiles and importance of Halal food. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the frequency of distribution of all sociodemographic characteristics. Multiple regression analyses were used to describe the theory of planned behaviour relationship and purchasing intention.FindingsThe regression model for all the respondents explained about 73 per cent of the variance of the intent to purchase Halal foods where R2 = 0.724 (adjusted R2 = 0.72). This was significantly different from zero F(3, 185) = 162.130, p < 0.001. Both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers’ attitudes were significant predictors of their purchasing intention of Halal foods (β = 0.87, p < 0.001). The implications of subjective norms and perceived behavioural control and the lack of influence from these predictors are discussed.Originality/valueThis study revealed that both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers agreed on the importance of animal welfare, but there exist differences in perceptions of animal welfare in Halal meat production. This research is of value to those working in regulatory and food service settings in understanding the differences and needs of consumers, and it contributes to a better understanding of the customers within a university setting.

The heart remains the core: cardiac causes of poor performance in horses compared to human athletes

Cardiac remodelling occurs in response to exercise and is generally beneficial for athletic performance due to the increase in cardiac output. However, this remodelling also may lead to an increased prevalence of cardiac murmurs and arrhythmias. In most cases, these are not considered to be significant. However, in some cases, there may be potentially deleterious consequences. Whilst sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a rare occurrence, the consequences are catastrophic for both the horse and potentially the rider or driver. Furthermore, the sudden death of a horse in the public arena has negative connotations in regards to public perception of welfare during equestrian sports. Prediction of which individuals might be susceptible to potential deleterious effects of exercise is a focus of interest in both human and equine athletes but remains a challenge because many athletes experience cardiac murmurs and exercise-induced arrhythmias that are clinically irrelevant. This review summarises the effects of exercise on cardiac remodelling in the horse and the potential effects on athletic performance and SCD. The use of biomarkers and their future potential in the management of athletic horses is also reviewed.

Perceptions of Social Responsibility of Prominent Animal Welfare Groups

ABSTRACTNonhuman animal welfare is an increasingly important component of consumer expectations of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The extent to which prominent animal welfare or protection organizations may influence people’s perceptions of food industry CSR may be related to an organization’s perceived social responsibility. Data from an online survey of 300 U.S. residents were used to explore relationships between demographics/lifestyle choices and perceptions of prominent animal welfare organizations (using best–worst scaling methodology). Overall, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was perceived to be the most socially responsible organization analyzed, followed by the Humane Society of the United States and the American Humane Association (AHA). Results suggest that the perceived social responsibility of animal protection organizations in this study was not strongly linked to personally (financially) supporting them, with 2 exceptions: the perceptions of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and AHA. Improved understanding of the perception of animal welfare or protection organizations can inform decision making by organizations interested in furthering animal welfare causes.

사회복지 기관종사자와 자원봉사자 간 복지인식 및 자원봉사인식 비교

본 연구는 사회복지실천 현장의 주요 공급자인 사회복지 기관종사자와 자원봉사자의 복지와 자원봉사활동에 대한 인식을 조사 분석함으로써 사회복지실천현장에서 양자가 협력할 수 있는 방안을 제안하고자 한다. 이 연구 목적을 위하여 설문조사는 2016년 5월 24일부터 5월 30일까지 하였으며, 사회복지 기관종사자 179명, 자원봉사자 186명 등 365명을 대상으로 조사한 설문지를 최종분석에 활용하였다. 분석은 SPSS 17.0 통계패키지를 이용하여 빈도분석, 신뢰도 검증, t-test를 하였다. 연구결과 첫째, 복지 인식은 사회복지 기관 종사자들이 적극적으로 인식하였고, 사회복지 영역에서도 여가, 스포츠 분야도 복지 영역으로 인식하였다. 둘째, 자원봉사 인식에서도 기관 종사가 더 인식 수준이 높아 자원봉사가 사회복지 기관에 필요함을 알 수 있었다. 또한 자원봉사 저해 요인으로는 부족한 예산, 자원봉사 관리 미비, 자원봉사자 업무 능력 부족 등으로 나타났다. 연구 결과를 바탕으로 자원봉사자와 기관 종사자가 협력할 수 있는 사회복지 기관프로그램을 기획하고 시행해야 할 것이다.

The perception of cat stress by Italian owners

The welfare assessment of owned pet cats has been neglected in research. The aim of this study was to assess owners' perception and recognition of impaired welfare in their own cats. One hundred ninety-four cat owners were interviewed face-to-face by a veterinary behaviorist, completing a 42-item questionnaire. Most owners (71.1%/N = 138) correctly included both physical and psychological features within their definition of stress, but 9.8% (19) thought that stress had no consequences for the cat. When asked to rate the overall stress level of their own cats in a nonnumerical scale based on frequency, 56.7% (N = 110) chose low, 38.1% (N = 74) chose medium, and 5.2% (N = 10) chose high. Owners whose cats played little or not at all were more likely to rate the level of stress of their cats as high (90.0%) than to rate it as low or medium (33.2%/64; χ2 = 13.290; P < 0.001). Similarly, owners whose cats showed overgrooming were more likely to rate the level of stress of their cats as high (30.0%/58 vs. 7.6%/15; χ2 = 4.948; P = 0.015). The display of aggression or house soiling was not associated with the owner's rating of stress level. The number of signs recognized by respondents as potential indicators of stress in cats and the rating of the level of stress in their own cats were weakly correlated (ρ = 0.217; P = 0.002). This may be due to possible biases in the interviews as well as to an overall good welfare in the cat sample associated to a moderately good understanding of feline signs of stress in owners. A principal components analysis applied to the listed signs of stress identified 4 components which were termed: body posture, social avoidance, house soiling, and self-directed behavior. However, some of the signs that behaviorists regard as crucial in their anamnesis, such as scratching the furniture, freezing, mydriasis, and recurrent cystitis, were the least recognized signs of stress by cat owners. Only very prominent, common, or potentially disturbing behaviors such as excessive vocalization, posture with the ears back, and urinating out of the litter tray were regarded as potential signs of stress by more than two-thirds of owners. These findings suggest that owners tend to overlook certain signs and that owners' perception of stress partially depends on their false preconceptions about cat normal ethology (e.g., playfulness, social relationships, aggression, etc.). This ill-informed perception is likely to prevent owners from correctly indentifying, and intervening in, situations of poor welfare.

What do consumers think about farm animal welfare in modern agriculture? Attitudes and shopping behaviour

Several food crises damaged the image of the agricultural sector and consumers have lost trust, especially in animal production practices. Large parts of society believe that animal welfare standards in livestock production need to be improved. As a result, numerous animal welfare products have emerged on the market. This consumer paper identifies five clusters and, thus, strategic groups for the purchase of animal welfare products within the large group of consumers that differ significantly in their attitudes towards modern agriculture, their perception of animal welfare, their social acceptance of meat consumption and their shopping behaviour. Even personal differences are found between the clusters. Based on the results, we derived specific marketing implications for each cluster. These implications can help to develop a more differentiated market segment for animal welfare products in terms of animal welfare level and required price premium, enabling consumers to make product choices according to their preferences.

Does discipline matter? An analysis of equine welfare perceptions and beliefs in the context of horse show participation

Does discipline matter? An analysis of equine welfare perceptions and beliefs in the context of horse show participation

Un enfoque integral para el manejo sobre la salud ósea en hombres con cáncer de próstata que reciben terapia de deprivación androgénica

IntroductionAndrogen deprivation therapy is indicated in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer. Although its use has led to a decrease in the disease related mortality, its long term use increases the risk of osteoporosis, fractures, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, among others. These adverse effects have a negative effect on the quality of life of the patient, both physically and emotionally. Many studies have evaluated the different management options in order to decrease the adverse effects of androgen deprivation therapy, but there are few that focus on how to combat the effects on bone metabolism. The aim of our study is to analyse the evidence, and search for different strategies in the literature in order to decrease the bone complications in these patients. Materials and methodsA search was made in PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct using the following MeSH terms: “prostate cancer”, “osteoporosis”, “hormone therapy”, “ADT androgen deprivation”, “fracture”, “bone density”, “bone loss”, “androgen deprivation with GnRH agonist” and “LHRH agonists”. ResultsChanges in lifestyle: Fatigue is a symptom presented in 66% of patients and is associated with a decrease in voluntary movement; thus these interventions focus on decreasing the adverse effect with monitored physical activity. Interventions with training schemes show progress in muscle gain, fatigue, and welfare perception. Nevertheless, the effects on bone metabolism are not so clear. Drug therapy: Bisphosphonates are potent inhibitors of bone remodelling, mediated by osteoclasts. Their use is relevant if the risk of osteoporotic fracture to 10 years is greater than 20% (high risk). The results of multiple studies suggest that zoledronic acid, alendronate, and pamidronate can decrease the long term risk of fractures in patients with androgen deprivation therapy. ConclusionsCurrent information suggests that drug therapy has a greater impact on the bone system than lifestyle interventions. Nevertheless, the welfare perception and mental state increase with training schemes and dietary changes, but bisphosphonates have a greater effect on bone mineral density, and decreases bone remodelling hormones. There is no management guide in which there is a clear level of evidence, or a guide to managing these complications. It is important that we can synthesize information from future studies for its practical and adequate use.

Perception of Canine Welfare Concerns among Veterinary Students, Practitioners, and Behavior Specialists in Spain

Veterinarians are well placed to supervise and ensure canine welfare. However, the perception of animal welfare among veterinarians may vary depending on the level of training and professional practice, including the specialization in animal behavior and welfare. The aim of this study was to survey the perception of canine welfare among veterinarians, including students, practitioners, and behavior specialists. A scale-based questionnaire including 12 issues affecting canine welfare was adapted from Yeates and Main and distributed to first-year (n=50) and fifth-year veterinary students (n=50), as well as veterinary practitioners (n=260) and specialists in behavioral medicine (n=50). For each issue, respondents were asked to rate how much they perceived each issue to affect canine welfare (on a scale of 0 to 4). A General Linear Model test was used to assess the effect of the studied group on scores. "Physical abuse or cruelty" was the highest-scoring problem in all groups and "breed-related conditions" was the lowest. In general, specialists in behavioral medicine assigned significantly higher scores to most items, particularly "behavioral problems" and "lack of sufficient company." In contrast, fifth-year students assigned significantly lower scores to most items. This study shows that situations clearly affecting canine welfare represent an important concern for veterinarians, both undergraduates and professionals. However, the level of professional experience and specialization might influence the perception of more subtle examples of poor welfare. Raising awareness regarding canine welfare, including concern for breed- or behavior-related problems, should be emphasized within university programs.

Zoo visitors’ perceptions of chimpanzee welfare are not affected by the provision of artificial environmental enrichment devices in a naturalistic exhibit

Zoo-housed animals are provided with many temporary elements in their exhibit, such as environmental enrichment devices (EEDs), which may not match the aesthetic of their exhibit. Some zoos object to the use of artificial EEDs in naturalistic exhibits, but there has been little research into whether the appearance of these temporary elements influences visitors’ perceptions. Therefore, we investigated visitors’ opinions about a naturalistic chimpanzee exhibit at Lincoln Park Zoo when EEDs were provided to the chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes ). We wished to determine whether exhibit naturalism was important to visitors; what their perceptions were of the chimpanzees’ behaviour and emotions; what their thoughts were about the suitability of chimpanzees as pets; and whether these beliefs were affected by the type of EED in the chimpanzees’ exhibit. Eight EEDS were chosen for this study: four that were naturalistic in appearance and four that were designed to elicit similar species-typical behaviours, but were artificial in appearance. Visitors’ responses to the survey revealed that they generally believed that exhibit naturalism was important, and that the chimpanzee exhibit was naturalistic in appearance; they viewed the chimpanzees’ behaviour and feelings positively; and they did not think chimpanzees made good pets. Visitors’ responses to the survey questions did not differ whether artificial or naturalistic EEDs were provided in the exhibit. These results support previous research that zoo visitors are not affected by EED aesthetic in a naturalistic exhibit, perhaps because the naturalism of the exhibit supersedes any effect or because the EEDs represent such small elements within the exhibit.

Perception of Fish Sentience, Welfare and Humane Slaughter by Highly Educated Citizens of Bogotá, Colombia and Curitiba, Brazil.

Discussions on farm animal welfare have become frequent, especially in developed countries. The aim of this research was to study the perception of fish sentience, welfare and slaughter by highly educated citizens from Bogotá, Colombia, and Curitiba, Brazil. An online survey with 12 questions presented as open-ended, multiple choice and 5-point Likert-type scale formats was available to respondents. Answers from 395 participants in Bogotá and 387 in Curitiba were analyzed, and results are presented in the order Bogotá followed by Curitiba. The percentage of participants who perceived fish as sentient animals was 79.7% and 71.8%. The classification of sentience perception among taxonomic groups seems in accordance with the phylogenetic proximity to humans, suggesting participants were more likely to perceive sentience in mammals than in other animals. The descending order related to the highest perception of fish suffering in different scenarios was fishing with hook and line (75.6%, 70.6%); municipal live fish fair (68.7%—only in Curitiba); fish-and-pay ponds (59.7%, 54.4%); fish kept as laboratory animals (58.0, 48.1%); fish farming (35.7, 36.8%); fish in pet stores (35.5%, 26.1%); production of ornamental fish (19.3%, 21.8%); fish in aquarium exhibits (18.8%,16.9%); and fish kept as pets (12.4%,12.3%). Lack of knowledge about the conditions of capture, handling, transport and sale of ornamental fish may justify the perception of low level of suffering in the last scenarios. Regarding humane slaughter, 57.0% and 55.0% of respondents were unaware of the issue. After reflection induced by the questionnaire, 76.0% and 72% of participants believed that fish should be included in humane slaughter regulations. This study presents original data suggesting that respondents from Bogotá and Curitiba consider fish as sentient beings. The perception of suffering in specific scenarios challenges common activities. Recognition of suffering also endorses humane slaughter regulations to reduce pain in a large number of individuals of fish slaughtered annually for human consumption in Colombia and Brazil.

The Changing Context and the Organizational Justice Impact on the Employee Well-Being

Abstract The context of organizational change may affect the well-being, namely when this change generate unfairness perceptions on employees. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the organizational change context on the perception of organizational justice and well-being. We proposed a mediation model of perceived organizational justice between the context of organizational change and well-being. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted with 731 public employees in the energy sector. Participants answered three instruments which evaluate organizational change context, justice perception and well-being. Factorial analyses and regression analysis were performed in order to test the psychometric qualities of the scale and the mediation model, respectively. The results indicate that the relationship between context and welfare perception is mediated by justice perceptions. This study contributes to research on reactions to organizational change and its impacts on individuals, highlighting the influence of perceived justice on the affective outcomes of organizational change.

Farmers’ perception of aggression between growing pigs

Sustainable animal production should take animal welfare into account. How animal welfare is incorporated into farming practices will, however, largely depend on the farmer’s choices. These choices may depend on the farmer’s perception of animal welfare and the willingness to change the current situation. Aggression between group housed pigs is a longstanding welfare issue and research efforts have resulted in little to no change in practice. Our objective was to gain insight into farmers’ perception of aggression between growing pigs and their opinion about a method shown by research to reduce the expression of this behaviour. Pig farmers in the UK were asked about their management and perception regarding aggression through a postal survey. Respondents (n=167) had a breeder-to-finisher farm (n=114; 585±123 sows; range 0–7000), breeder-weaner farm (n=10; 718±433 sows; range 15–45000), or grower/finisher farm (n=32; 1291±187 grower/finishers; range 24–5000). The majority of the respondents (73%) did not consider aggression at weaning as a problem which needed to be addressed. For mixing at the finisher stage, 43% did consider aggression a problem and indicated they would consider a solution if available. Farmers who considered aggression at the grower/finisher facilities a problem were on average younger (55±12years) than farmers who did not consider it a problem (61±12years; P=0.02). When respondents ranked welfare issues on what they found most important to reduce at the grower/finisher phase, they ranked tail/ear/flank biting as more important than mounting and lameness, but not different from aggression. Currently, 27% of the pig breeders (respondents keeping sows) applied co-mingling of piglets (i.e. ‘socialization’), in which piglets are pre-weaning introduced to piglets of other litters to reduce aggression later on, and 22% had worked with such a strategy in the past. Farmers applying co-mingling did not differ in their perception of aggression compared to farmers who did not co-mingle. Respondents expressed concerns about co-mingling with regard to practical management (48%), aggression of the sow towards piglets (33%), reduced piglet growth rate (24%), fights between piglets (22%), cross-suckling (20%), missed suckling bouts (16%), and stress for the animals (16%). Half of the breeders were in favour of co-mingling (51%) whereas the other half was against (49%). As part of a sustainable approach, integrating all stakeholders, knowledge of farmers’ perception of aggression may help align research questions in this area with the concerns of the stakeholders.

La Axiología Social como Estrategia Integradora en la Educación Universitaria Venezolana

El presente artículo tiene como propósito ofrecer una fundamentación axiológica en función del desarrollo cultural, social y su contribución a la educación universitaria, así como también resaltar los valores ausentes o negados en la praxis universitaria para la toma de consciencia. La formación que se le brinde al profesional de la educación universitaria debe partir de la realidad circundante y responder a las necesidades que éstas implican. De allí pues, la educación es considerada la fuente de los valores sociales donde se aprenden las grandes virtudes. Su importancia consiste en que el hombre logre su propia autodeterminación como persona. En relación a la metodología, la misma se enmarca desde el enfoque cualitativo, marcado por un pensamiento intuitivo, una orientación vivencial de los sucesos, un lenguaje individual, una vía inductiva y unas referencias de validación situadas en los simbolismos socioculturales de un momento – espacio. Por consiguiente, se busca con la presente investigación lograr que axiología social juegue un papel importante en la educación universitaria, que sirva de ayuda a mejorar las relaciones interpersonales de todo el personal que labora dentro de estos recintos educativos. Así mismo se pretende con esta investigación mejorar la convivencia, fomentado los valores sociales con la finalidad que exista el equilibro para fortalecer el ámbito educativa, logrando mediante la axiología como estrategia integradora propiciar diferentes cambios en el desarrollo de la comunidad universitaria y el mejoramiento axiológico en el docente universitario como pilar fundamental de la actividad social hacia los estudiantes y una garantía de la satisfacción de sus expectativas existenciales, es decir, aquellas que tienen que ver con su sentido de la vida, su percepción de la felicidad y el bienestar social.

Online Chats to Assess Stakeholder Perceptions of Meat Chicken Intensification and Welfare.

Simple SummaryMost people care about animal welfare. Nevertheless, divergent views remain on what constitutes animal welfare, despite a growing body of scientific evidence. We used online chats to trigger discussion among participants from various stakeholder groups: general public, animal advocacy group, meat chicken industry-affiliated, and researchers or veterinarians who were not industry-affiliated but had experience with chickens. The aim of this pilot study was to assess reasons for divergence in opinions or conversely agreement between participants, using the topic of the welfare implications of meat chicken farming intensification. Participants also completed a pre- and post-chat survey to evaluate their perceptions and knowledge of chicken farming. Reasons for supporting intensification included perceptions of better health for the chickens and the sustainability of the system. Reasons for opposition included perceptions of the large number of animals kept together, and limited ability to perform natural behaviours. Misunderstandings about current practices were clarified in chats which contained industry-affiliated participants. Participants agreed on the need for enforceable standards and industry transparency. On average, objective knowledge of intensification increased after participating in the chat, but support for intensification did not change over the course of the study, counter to assertions that lack of knowledge results in lack of support for some practices. Engaging stakeholders can provide valuable information to anyone interested in the relationship between perception and knowledge of specific farming practices.Evidence suggests that there is variation in support for specific chicken farming practices amongst stakeholder groups, and this should be explored in more detail to understand the nature of these differences and work towards convergence. Online focus groups were used to assess attitudes to animal welfare in meat chicken farming in this pilot study. Across six online chats, 25 participants (general public, n = 8; animal advocacy group, n = 11, meat chicken industry, n = 3; research or veterinary practice who had experience with poultry but no declared industry affiliation, n = 3) discussed meat chicken intensification and welfare. Of those, 21 participants completed pre- and post-chat surveys gauging perceptions and objective knowledge about meat chicken management. Main reasons for intensification support were perceptions of improved bird health, and perceptions that it is a cost-effective, sustainable farming system. Reasons for opposition included perceptions that a large number of birds kept are in close proximity and have limited ability to perform natural behaviours. Misunderstandings about current practices were clarified in chats which contained industry representation. Participants agreed on the need for enforceable standards and industry transparency. Industry-affiliated members rated welfare of meat chickens higher, and gave lower ratings for the importance of natural living, than other stakeholder groups (both p = 0.001). On average, while objective knowledge of intensification increased after chat participation (p = 0.03), general welfare ratings and support for intensification did not change over time, counter to assertions that lack of knowledge results in lack of support for some practices.

The connection between the primary care and the physical activity sector: professionals' perceptions.

BackgroundTo stimulate physical activity (PA) and guide primary care patients towards local PA facilities, Care Sport Connectors (CSC), to whom a broker role has been ascribed, were introduced in 2012 in the Netherlands. The aim of this study is to assess perceptions of primary care, welfare, and sport professionals towards the CSC role and the connection between the primary care and the PA sector.MethodsNine focus groups were held with primary care, welfare and sport professionals within the CSC network. In these focus groups the CSC role and the connection between the sectors were discussed. Both top-down and bottom-up codes were used to analyse the focus groups.ResultsProfessionals ascribed three roles to the CSC: 1) broker role, 2) referral, 3) facilitator. Professionals were enthusiastic about how the current connection was established. However, barriers relating to their own sector were currently hindering the connection: primary care professionals’ lack of time, money and knowledge, and the lack of suitable PA activities and instructors for the target group.ConclusionsThis study provides further insight into the CSC role and the connection between the sectors from the point of view of primary care, welfare, and sport professionals. Professionals found the CSC role promising, but barriers are currently hindering the collaboration between both sectors. More time for the CSC and changes in the way the primary care and PA sector are organized seem to be necessary to overcome the identified barriers and to make a success of the connection.Trial registrationDutch Trial register NTR4986. Registered 14 December 2014.

Exploring Children’s Perspectives on the Welfare Needs of Pet Animals

ABSTRACTChildren are increasingly viewed as important recipients of educational interventions to improve animal welfare, yet research examining their perspectives is lacking, particularly within the UK. Helping children to care appropriately for animals depends, not least, on an ability to understand the needs of different species and correctly identify cues given by the animal that indicate its welfare state. This study began to explore: (a) children’s perceptions of welfare needs, focusing on four common pet animals; (b) influences on the development of knowledge; (c) beliefs about whether or not (all) animals are sentient, and (d) their confidence in identifying when their own pets are in need. Fourteen focus groups were carried out with 53 children aged 7 to 13 years. Findings highlighted an affirmative response that animals have feelings (dogs especially), albeit with doubts about this applying universally. There was wide variation in children’s knowledge of welfare needs, even among owners of the animal in question. Conversely, some children lacked confidence in spite of the extensive knowledge they had developed through direct experience. An important finding was a perceived difficulty in identifying the needs of particular species or specific types of need in their own pets. Fitting well with a recent emphasis on “positive welfare,” children felt that many animals need demonstrative love and attention, especially cats and dogs. While there is clearly scope for educating children about common needs and cues that indicate animals’ welfare state, other areas pose a greater challenge. Emotional connection seems important in the development of extensive knowledge and concern for welfare. Accordingly, animals that do not possess the kind of behavioral repertoire that is easy to interpret or allows for a perceived sense of reciprocity are possibly at risk of negative welfare experiences.