Scottish voters are calling on the incoming parliament to do more to protect animals from cruelty and suffering, according to a new poll. 

The polling — carried out by YouGov on behalf of the More for Scotland’s Animals coalition of animal welfare charities — revealed that the public is particularly concerned about issues such as the use of electric shock collars, keeping wild animals as pets, and confining mother pigs in farrowing crates. Among those surveyed, 81% supported banning electric shock collars on pets, 70% backed ending the use of farrowing crates for sows, and 84% favoured stricter controls on which exotic animals can be kept as pets. 

CEO of Scottish animal welfare charity, OneKind, Jason Rose, said: 

“These new polling figures clearly show that the wellbeing of animals matters greatly to people in Scotland. The Scottish Parliament has a responsibility to reflect the values of the people it serves.  

"Candidates that want to earn the trust of voters must demonstrate genuine commitments to better animal welfare. 

“Animals are a part of our society, and the public’s concern for their welfare—be they farmed, wild, or companion animals—is clear. When voters consider their choices up until the 7^th May, the welfare of animals will be among the key issues shaping their decisions.”  

The polling also asked for views on promoting more responsible dog ownership and improving safety around dogs, which 92% supported; banning the use of wild animals in mobile zoos for performance purposes, supported by 80%; and introducing policies to give farmed fish the same level of protection as other farmed animals, supported by 68%. 

The More for Scotland’s Animals campaign is being run by fifteen leading animal welfare organisations ahead of the Scottish elections on 7^th May. The coalition is calling on candidates for the Scottish Parliament to pledge to ensure the highest standards for companion, farmed and wild animals in the next parliamentary session. 

These animal welfare issues will be discussed and debated at the More for Scotland’s Animals Hustings on 14th April at the Edinburgh City Chambers. The Hustings will be chaired by Roo Irvine, presenter of BBC’s Bargain Hunt, with speakers including Scottish Conservatives candidate Joanna Mowat, Scottish Greens candidate Ariane Burgess, Reform candidate Helen McDade, and candidates from Scottish Labour and the Scottish National Party (SNP).

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Eve Massie Bishop - [email protected]

Notes to Editor 

1. The polling was commissioned by OneKind, A-Law, Animal Equality UK, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Blue Cross, Born Free Foundation, Cats Protection, Compassion in World Farming, Dogs Trust, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, The Humane League UK, Humane World for Animals, the League Against Cruel Sports, Scottish SPCA and the Wild Animal Welfare Committee as part of the More for Scotland’s Animals campaign. 
2. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,102 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 27th November - 4th December 2025.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Scottish adults (aged 18+). 
3. The e-action, encouraging candidates to pledge, can be seen here.
4. The hustings will take place at 6-8pm on Thursday 14 April at the Edinburgh City Chambers.