Many people hold inconsistent views about the sentience and moral status of farm animals compared to companion animals, and improving public understanding is a key lever for welfare improvement.
The persistent gap between how people treat companion animals and farm animals is partly maintained by ignorance rather than deliberate choice. Many people who care deeply about dog welfare have never received accurate information about pig or cattle sentience, social bonds or emotional capacity. Closing this gap through education is one of the highest-leverage welfare interventions available. Schools, media, food labelling and digital content all play a role. The evidence consistently shows that well-designed educational interventions shift both attitudes and behaviour toward farm animals. Supporting science communication about animal cognition and emotion is therefore a concrete contribution to reducing animal suffering.