This study investigates attitudes towards animal use, exploring the influence of speciesism, individualising morality, likeability, and demographic factors. 320 participants completed an online survey including the Animal Purpose Questionnaire (APQ), speciesism and likeability scales, and moral foundations questionnaire subscales. Results show least agreement towards pet species use, more neutral attitudes towards profit and pest species. Liking animals, individualising moral values, and fewer speciesist attitudes correlated with challenging animal use. Young females and non-meat-eaters showed heightened concern. Speciesism was the strongest predictor of APQ scores, highlighting human vs. non-human and pet vs. non-pet biases. Individualising morality predicted respect for animal rights, suggesting similar psychological mechanisms in human-human and human-animal relations.

Sara Marriott, Helen J. Cassaday