Owners’ awareness of the Animal Welfare Act (2006) in the United Kingdom and the association with owner demographic factors

Abstract

The welfare of companion animals in the UK is protected by legislation. Despite this protection, concerns exist about the provision of appropriate care for animals by owners and the resulting detrimental impact on welfare. Many concerns are linked to a lack of knowledge of the needs of companion animals and the action or inaction of their owners. An online survey of owners (n = 2,798) of dogs, cats, rabbits and Syrian hamsters explored awareness and knowledge of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) (2006) (and equivalent legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland) and the five welfare needs enshrined within it. Binary logistic regression was used to explore demographic variables associated with awareness and recognition of legislative provisions. Despite 72% of owners reporting that they were aware of their legal responsibilities, only 23% of participants could name the AWA, and only 29% could recognise all five welfare needs. Appropriate companionship was the least recognised need (33%), whereas the need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease was most recognised (95%). Owner demographic factors, including age, education and type of companion animals owned, were significantly associated with awareness of the AWA and recognition of the five welfare needs. These findings suggest that awareness of companion animal-related legislation amongst owners is limited, particularly in relation to appropriate companionship. Where certain owner demographics are associated with lower legislative familiarity, this suggests significant potential for targeted education and awareness campaigns in order to raise awareness of legal responsibilities and ultimately improve companion animal welfare.