A comparative analysis of farmers' attitudes toward animal welfare in Ukraine and Azerbaijan

The aim of this study was to understand farmers' views on animal welfare in Ukraine and Azerbaijan, and to identify key issues in general and in each country. A questionnaire with 14 questions was used to survey 58 farmers from Ukraine and 71 farmers from Azerbaijan. Data were collected regarding farm production characteristics, farmers' perception of animal welfare, and what farmers identified as the most important animal welfare issues. A mixed-effects model with restricted maximum likelihood estimation (REML) was used to assess the perceived importance of animal welfare. Least squares means with Tukey's correction were calculated to compare groups. Chi-squared tests of independence were used to assess (1) the relationship between farmers' country of origin and their level of agreement with a statement, and (2) the association between country and animal species in need of welfare improvements. Farmers in both countries considered it necessary (60.3 %) to improve animal welfare, were largely convinced (90 %) that financial compensation from the state was necessary and had the same main perceived welfare problems (lack of funds to improve animal welfare conditions). Ukrainian farmers (50.9 %) responded that animal welfare was not sufficiently taken into account in government policies while, Azerbaijani farmers (53.5 %) agreed that animal welfare was given the appropriate level of importance in the country's legislation. The study showed that 41.4 % of Ukrainian farmers considered the level of animal welfare in the country to be worse than in other countries, compared to 12.7 % in Azerbaijan. Ukrainian farmers were more interested in receiving more information on animal welfare (72.4 %) than Azerbaijani farmers (54.3 %). The study shows that the level of awareness among farmers in the two countries is quite different and in some cases contradictory. • Farmers in Ukraine and Azerbaijan view animal welfare improvement as necessary. • 90 % of farmers surveyed believe state financial compensation for welfare measures is needed. • Economic constrains and housing conditions are two concerns with an impact on animal welfare in both countries. • Ukrainian farmers were more critical of government's approach to animal welfare. • Awareness and perception of animal welfare differ between the two countries.