Animal Research in Spain: A Study of Public Perception and Attitudes
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2023
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Miguel-Batuecas, A., Fuertes-Recuero, M., Díaz-Regañón, D., Ortiz-Díez, G., Revuelta, L., & De Pablo-Moreno, J. A. (2023). Animal Research in Spain: A Study of Public Perception and Attitudes. Animals, 13(12), 2039.
Abstract
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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Author Contributions
A.M.-B. wrote the manuscript, contributed to the design of the survey, data analysis and she also contributed to preparing the tables. M.F.-R. contributed to the conception and design of the manuscript, data analysis, preparing the tables, drafting the manuscript, and reviewed successive drafts of the paper. D.D.-R. contributed to the design of the survey, drafting the manuscript, and reviewed successive drafts of the paper. G.O.-D. contributed to the design of the statistical analysis, data analysis, preparing the tables and reviewed the manuscript. L.R. contributed to the conception and design of the manuscript and funding acquisition. J.A.D.P.-M. contributed to the conception and design of the survey and the manuscript, data analysis, drafting the manuscript, preparing the tables, and reviewed successive drafts of the paper. J.A.D.P.-M. is the principal investigator. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.