Animal Welfare Consciousness of Chinese College Students

Abstract

The moral character of China's single-child generation has been studied by Chinese researchers since the early 1990s. Recent acts of animal cruelty by college students turned this subject of academic inquiry into a topic of public debate. This study joins the inquiry by asking if the perceived unique traits of the single-child generation, i.e. self-centeredness, lack of compassion, and indifference to the feelings of others, are discernible in their attitudes toward animals. Specifically, the study investigates whether the college students are in favor of better treatment of animals, objects of unprecedented exploitation on the Chinese mainland. With the help of two surveys conducted in selected Chinese universities, this study concludes that the college students, a majority of whom belong to the single-child generation, are not morally compromised. A high percentage of the surveyed expressed empathy toward animals and opposed animal cruelty. This finding suggests that upbringing in families with better material conditions has not undercut the moral development of the students. Importantly, the study supports the view that China is philosophically ready for legislation on animal welfare despite the remaining ideological, cultural, and economic factors that discourage societal activism for animal protection.

Attitudes in China toward the use of Animals in Laboratory Research

“…Also, they did not agree that humans have the right to use animals as they see fit. This result is encouraging, and supports previous research, which showed that Chinese students and the general public are concerned about the way that animals are treated (9)(10)(11). Public support is an important factor in ensuring ethical animal use.…”

“…Public support is an important factor in ensuring ethical animal use. China has been criticised for its poor treatment of animals, and some acts of cruelty are shocking (11,14). Taken together, this study and other recent research suggest that Chinese society is perhaps ready to accept and support the urgent changes that are needed.…”

“…A plausible reason for the weak legal and research status could be a lack of awareness or appreciation of ethical animal use among the Chinese. However, a handful of recent studies seem to suggest the opposite -the Chinese public appear to be very concerned about the welfare treatment of animals (8)(9)(10)(11). For example, in a nationwide study of 1,300 Chinese college students, Shuxian et al (11) found that the majority of respondents expressed empathy toward animal treatment and opposed animal cruelty.…”

“…However, a handful of recent studies seem to suggest the opposite -the Chinese public appear to be very concerned about the welfare treatment of animals (8)(9)(10)(11). For example, in a nationwide study of 1,300 Chinese college students, Shuxian et al (11) found that the majority of respondents expressed empathy toward animal treatment and opposed animal cruelty. A high percentage of those surveyed (more than 90%) reported that animals and their welfare deserve respect and consideration.…”

Familiarity and Interest in Working with Livestock Decreases the Odds of Having Positive Attitudes towards Non-Human Animals and Their Welfare among Veterinary Students in Italy

“…The findings of the current study are in agreement with previous research, showing that female gender is commonly associated with more empathetic views towards animals, more concern for animal welfare issues, and, generally speaking, better attitudes towards animals when compared to male gender [ 20 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Although this gender bias is common, it can vary in young people [ 26 ] and cultural contexts [ 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Similarly, previous studies on veterinary students in the USA, Australia, and New Zealand have confirmed that female students have more positive attitudes towards animal welfare [ 12 , 30 ], whilst divergent results were found in Asian veterinary students [ 31 , 32 ].…”