Understanding Knowledge Gaps of Halaal Animal Welfare Practices among Muslim Populations

— Animetrics

Many halal consumers associate halal-certified meat with higher animal welfare standards and the avoidance of cruelty in how animals are raised, handled, and slaughtered. However, this perception does not always reflect actual production practices. In this first-of-its-kind study in Turkey, we investigate whether there is a gap between consumer beliefs about animal well-being in halal food production and the realities of how halal-certified products are produced. We also examine whether providing accurate information about these practices influences consumers’ purchase intentions. The study also explores how these knowledge gaps and reported changes in purchase intentions relate to factors such as religiosity, understanding of halal guidelines, dietary habits, and perceptions of animal welfare. As a major player in the global halal market, Turkey offers a valuable setting for understanding how to align consumer expectations with production realities. The findings will support efforts to hold the industry accountable, empower consumers to make informed choices aligned with their values, and guide more effective, evidence-based advocacy strategies for organizations working with Muslim communities.

Muslim Perspectives on Animal Welfare and Halal Food Systems

— Animetrics and Kaleem Ahmid

How do Muslims around the world perceive farmed animal welfare? What role do religious beliefs, values, and dietary guidelines—such as halal—play in shaping attitudes toward meat consumption and animal treatment? We are conducting the first large-scale, cross-country study of Muslim perspectives on farmed animal welfare and the halal food system, spanning 15 countries. 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 examining the intersection of Islamic teachings, dietary practices, and animal welfare concerns, this study will provide essential insights for animal advocacy organizations—especially those that include Muslim communities within their target audience. The findings will support the development of effective, culturally grounded strategies for improving farmed animal welfare standards and reducing animal-based product consumption.

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.