British study aims to help animal welfare

LEICESTER, England, June 24 (UPI) -- Scientists say a postgraduate research study at Britain's University of Leicester is designed to promote animal welfare in Cyprus and the United Kingdom.

The postgraduate research study being conducted in the university's school of psychology by Alexia Zalaf involves a questionnaire to measure people's attitudes to animals, as well as animal abuse, with a view to changing in the way people and authorities tackle the issue.

Zalaf's supervisor, Professor Vince Egan, says the work will provide a systematic tool for understanding people who intentionally or inadvertently hurt animals, enabling researchers to more fully investigate the field.

"Carrying out this research in Cyprus and the U.K. will provide much needed evidence into attitudes towards animal abuse, which is a newly established area," Zalaf said. "This research study will provide the framework for future researchers … to further develop the field."

She said her long-term goal is to promote awareness of animal abuse and promote action not only by the general public, but also by responsible authorities.

She presented her study at the university Thursday during the school's Festival of Postgraduate Research.