Public attitudes play a crucial role in shaping government policy, industry regulation, and animal care standards. In this context, Cobb, Lill, and Bennett (2020) investigated whether people view canine welfare differently depending on the role or situation of the dog.
Over 2,000 respondents from more than twelve countries completed an internet-based survey. Participants rated perceived welfare across 17 dog contexts, including companion pets, guide dogs, working herding dogs, sporting dogs, free-roaming dogs, and fighting dogs. Results showed striking differences: guide dogs and pets were rated as having the highest welfare, while fighting dogs scored the lowest. More than 95% of respondents agreed that dog welfare is very important to them, regardless of demographics.
The findings highlight that perceptions of welfare are complex and multi-dimensional. They depend not only on the dog’s living situation but also on societal values and cultural norms. For industries and organizations that rely on dogs—such as security, farming, and assistance services—this means that public perception can strongly influence sustainability and acceptance. Managing these perceptions proactively is essential to maintain trust and improve welfare outcomes.
This study underscores the importance of context-specific welfare strategies. By recognizing the diversity of roles dogs play in human society, stakeholders can design better welfare frameworks that align with both scientific understanding and public expectations.
Source: Cobb, M. L., Lill, A., & Bennett, P. (2020). Not all dogs are equal: perception of canine welfare varies with context. Animal Welfare, 29, 27–35.
