What do Canadians consider ‘humane’?

Many practices that involve animals used for clothing, food, entertainment, research, and other purposes are often described as humane, yet rarely is this word defined. The word humane is commonly used by governments, public agencies, media, industry associations, and animal protection advocates when discussing the treatment of animals. But the interpretation of what humane means differs drastically depending on who is using it, and for what purpose.

 

This survey reveals who Canadians trust most in defining the word humane and asks questions about generally accepted practices that are commonly labelled “humane” or “euthanasia”. The results of the survey shows that there is a disconnect between the language that public agencies and industries use when describing the treatment of animals, and what these words mean to Canadians.

 

This information provides a critical starting point to reflect on current practices in various sectors and improve the welfare of animals in Canada. Animal sentience is undeniable, this has been established in the scientific literature; the results of this survey demonstrates that the vast majority of Canadians agree. Because of this, there needs to be a thorough examination of how animals are treated, and a commitment to reduce and eliminate animal suffering across all sectors of society.