Animal use: Ethical position, conflict, moral responsibility, and decision making

There is much conflict in society among humans over animal use. This manifests itself in numerous ethical dilemmas and difficult decision making exercises. This study addressed the need to better understand the conflicts arising from human/animal interactions. Seven animal-use groups (animal welfare, companion animal, farmer, hunter, naturalist, trapper and veterinarian) were selected from the general public in New Brunswick. Focus groups were recruited and conducted from these groups. Computer-aided qualitative data analysis was used. This study found that animal users had different ethical positions towards animals and that this was a cause of conflict among people who interact with animals. It also showed that most people felt high to extreme ethical responsibility towards animals used or abused by other people. Many perceived causes of conflict over animal use were identified. The study examined how people who interact with animals solve ethical dilemmas involving animals. From this, a structure for making ethical decisions is suggested.