Widespread public support and pluralistic ignorance associated with United States Animal Protection Policy

Although Americans increasingly express concern for animals, animal protection remains peripheral in US policy discussions. Aligning animal-related public policy with societal values requires understanding public perspectives on the importance of animal protection as a policy priority, their support for specific policy proposals, and whether pluralistic ignorance may inhibit civic or policy engagement. Methods: A nationally representative sample of US adults (N = 2074) was recruited between July and August 2024 through Prolific using demographic quotas and weighting to align with 2021 US Census distributions. The survey assessed: (1) the importance placed on animal protection relative to other national policy issues; (2) concern about suffering across seven animal categories; (3) perceived importance of government programs to reduce animal suffering; (4) self-reported and factual knowledge of animal protection laws; and (5) support for specific five animal protection laws at the state and federal level (bans on octopus farming, addressing extreme confinement of pigs and chickens, expanding cruelty laws to include wildlife; addressing methods for carnivore hunting; and implementing vessel speed limits for Atlantic right whale conservation). Pluralistic ignorance was evaluated by comparing participants’ own attitudes with their estimates of the public’s attitudes. Results: Participants expressed strong support for prioritizing animal protection in public policy and for specific measures to reduce suffering across a wide range of animal contexts. Concern was highest for animals used in research, in zoos and aquariums, and in entertainment settings, and lowest for invasive wildlife. Respondents reported low levels of perceived knowledge about animal protection laws, despite their high levels of concern for animal suffering and support for animal protection policies at the state and federal level. Evidence of pluralistic ignorance emerged; participants underestimated how supportive other Americans are of policies aimed at reducing animal suffering, both in general and across the five policy case studies. Conclusion: Public support for animal protection is strong across diverse animal issues, yet is widely underestimated by Americans themselves. Communicating the true level of public support may help strengthen animal protection efforts at both state and federal levels. Correcting these misperceptions may reduce social and political barriers, mobilize civic engagement, and help advance policy initiatives aimed at reducing animal suffering.