Visitors’ Self-Reported Knowledge and Attitudes about an Animal-Free Exhibit on Animal Welfare

ABSTRACT

Public events such as state fairs provide valuable opportunities to provide informal animal welfare education, possibly changing people’s decisions regarding animal welfare. This study evaluated whether an interactive animal-free exhibit increased visitors’ self-reported knowledge and stated behavioral intentions related to animal welfare. The exhibit featured information about the behavior and welfare of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, poultry, horses, cats and dogs. Survey data were collected at two events in the Midwestern United States (Purdue University Spring Fest (FEST): n = 32; Indiana State Fair (FAIR): n = 49 valid responses). Most people agreed and strongly agreed (FEST: 60.00%; FAIR: 74.47%) that they learned new information and would consider this information when making decisions (FAIR: 70.37%; FAIR: 76.19). Most people (FEST: 67.86%; FAIR: 71.11%) also stated that they had a better understanding of animal welfare after visiting the exhibit. These findings indicate that an animal welfare exhibit can positively influence visitors’ self-reported knowledge and stated decisions about animal welfare. Future research is needed to examine the long-term impacts of animal welfare exhibits on knowledge retention, decisions and behavior.

KEYWORDS:

• Animal welfare
• behavioral intentions
• decisions
• interactive exhibit
• knowledge

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Douglas Martin and Charles Wineland, and especially Rebecca Stephens, for their assistance with exhibit design and creation

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by funding from the Purdue University College of Agriculture AgSEED Program to M. Erasmus.