Poor Scores on Animal Welfare

According to a new study by the Humane Research Council, the US scores very low regarding its treatment of animals, with an average of 34 out of 100 possible points. Researchers divided the study into five 100-point categories and studied relevant statistics and research to determine scores. The US scored just four points out of 100 in the “Farmed Animals” category, which included statistics on animal consumption, meat-free diets, and anti-confinement laws. The US scored highest in the category of companion animals with 47 points, which included information on shelter animals, animal breeding laws, and euthanasia in shelters. While 65 percent of respondents said that the protection of companion animals was very important, the scores indicate that overall, animal welfare in America needs improvement.