Understanding Knowledge Gaps of Halaal Animal Welfare Practices among Muslim Populations

— Animetrics

Do halal certifications guarantee high animal welfare standards as many consumers believe? In this study, we are conducting a first of its kind study in Turkey to investigate the gap between consumer knowledge and actual practices in halal food production. Our research also examines providing accurate information about animal welfare influence consumers’ purchase intentions, while analyzing the relationship between these factors and characteristics such as religiosity and knowledge of halal guidelines. As Turkey represents a key player in the global halal market, this study will provide crucial insights for consumer empowerment and industry accountability. The findings will contribute to evidence-based discussions about transparency in religious food certification systems and help align consumer expectations with actual production practices in the rapidly growing halal food sector.

Muslim Perspectives on Animal Welfare and Halal Food Systems

— Animetrics and Kaleem Ahmid

How do Muslims view farmed animal welfare and the halal food system? We are conducting the first large-scale study across 15 countries to understand Muslim perspectives on these critical issues. Our comprehensive survey will create the largest dataset of its kind, examining attitudes toward animal welfare and meat consumption within Muslim communities. This research is particularly timely as the global Muslim population continues to grow and gain economic influence, making their consumer choices increasingly impactful on animal welfare outcomes. By understanding the intersection of Islamic teachings, dietary practices, and animal welfare concerns, our study will provide crucial insights for animal advocacy organizations, particularly in the Global South. The findings will enable the development of culturally informed and effective strategies for reducing animal product consumption while respecting religious and cultural values.

Direct and Spillover Effects of Educational Interventions on Attitudes Toward Plant-Based Diets: Evidence from a Controlled Experiment

— Animetrics, Mercy for Animals, and Bryant Research

We explore how educational programs can directly change attitudes about plant-based diets and how these changes might spread to friends. Using a controlled experimental design with university students, we aim to understand if students who receive the intervention change their views and if their peers, who don’t participate, also change their opinions through spillovers. This is important because understanding these spillover effects provides a more complete view of how educational strategies influence broader dietary shifts and helps us design more effective interventions that reach beyond the initial participants.

Attitudes towards Farmed Animals in the Middle East and North Africa Region

— Animetrics, Sezin Ekinci, and Middle East Vegan Society

Understanding public attitudes toward animal agriculture is crucial for shaping effective regulations. While much research exists in Western countries, studies on Muslim populations are extremely limited. As Muslim populations represent a significant and growing segment of the global community, their religious and cultural beliefs, such as Islamic teachings on animal welfare, play a key role in shaping views on animal welfare and agriculture. Including these perspectives is important for creating policies that are both inclusive and globally relevant.

This study builds on earlier work by Mercy for Animals, which explored international views on farmed animals, speciesism, welfare, and plant-based diets. We expand this by focusing on the Middle East and North Africa region, with attention to Islamic views and regional issues. By addressing topics like halal and religiosity, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of public attitudes and support for animal welfare in this context.