Children's perceptions of animal cruelty

Abstract

This study aims to identify how Maltese pupils in the fourth and fifth year of primary education define animal cruelty and the perceptions they hold towards it as well as investigating whether it varies across different state schools, gender and year groups. The main research method was a questionnaire followed by an interview carried out in four state schools. The data from the questionnaire was collected from 281 pupils (142 boys and 139 girls) whilst 8 pupils (2 boys and 6 girls) participated in the interviews. Through the questionnaires it was found that using animals for fur was perceived to be the most cruel act whereas keeping fish in an aquarium was perceived to be the least cruel. There was only a slight correlation between schools, year groups and gender, however it was not constant. It has also emerged that a number of children are aware of what constitutes animal cruelty. The development of children's attitudes towards animals can be achieved by giving them the opportunity to come in direct contact with animals and increasing their humane attitudes towards them.