That’s how 71% of the Population Define Themselves
Seventy-one percent of the adult sampled population in the latest RSPCA Kindness Index defined themselves as an animal lover. I think we can all agree this is a huge percentage which should be celebrated but, what does it mean to be an animal lover? In this blog we will take a look at some of the key statistics from the Kindness Index and discuss how we can use these to be more kind to animals, especially dogs used for breeding.
What do we mean by animal kindness?
Animal kindness incorporates all the choices we make in life that can impact animals from those who are farmed, our companions, to wildlife and insects. The RSPCA runs the annual survey for both adults and children to understand the values people associate with animal welfare. They then use this data to inform their advocacy work, raise awareness and help build a more compassionate world where all animals can enjoy a good quality of life. You can read the current and previous Kindness Index’s here.
Breeding dogs for appearance
Results from the 2025 Kindness Index showed that 84 percent of the sampled population consider it unacceptable to breed animals with genetic health problems. Despite this, purebred dogs (dogs whose parents are of the same breed) make up around 75% of the UK dog population [1]. Why is this a problem? Well, within purebred communities, there is an increased risk of inherited genetic disorders due to a lack of genetic diversity. Sadly, many of these genetic disorders seriously compromise health and welfare and significantly shorten life span [2].
Further still, over the past 20 years, we have seen an increase in breeding for exaggerated physical conformations such as long and low backs, brachycephaly (flat faces), screw tails and skin folds. Of those surveyed in the 2025 Kindness Index, 85 percent also feel this practice is unacceptable. Positively, this correlates with both the general decline in their popularity over recent years (although they remain very popular!) and with the findings of a recent Royal Veterinary College study whereby when given the choice, the UK public preferred significantly less extreme versions of pugs, French bulldogs and English bulldogs [3].
When asked ‘what is the most important animal welfare issue to you?’ 45 percent of respondents want to see the end of the harmful breeding practices such as those named above. A further 39 percent want to see the illegal puppy trade stopped. Great news!
So, how can you be an animal lover?
Perhaps, and hopefully, all this means there we are beginning to move towards favouring dogs who are healthy and live long and happy lives. Whether you are a prospective dog owner, a current one or just care for the lives of all animals, here are five things you can do to positively contribute to the lives of our companion animals.
Adopt don’t shop
There are so many dogs (and cats and small furries!) who are in the RSPCA’s care waiting for their second chance in life. If you are considering a new companion, take a look at our Find a Pet page to see if your next best friend is waiting for you. We have a huge variety of types, ages (yes, even puppies) and temperaments so likely you will find the perfect pet for you.
Choose health and suitability over appearance
Choosing a companion based largely on appearance is a primary reason for relinquishment and abandonment. The species may be unsuitable for your lifestyle, they may have more needs than you anticipated or perhaps their temperament is not what you expected. So instead of basing decisions on appearance, follow what we do when we find your perfect match: Consider your lifestyle, budget, hobbies and think about what you want to gain. Once you have that figured out, research the types of animal who would best fit your lifestyle and budget.
Volunteer at your local animal sanctuary
Have you decided it is not quite the right time for you to take on the long-term commitment of a pet but still want to spend time with animals? Why not volunteer for your local animal sanctuary? There are lots of roles you can be involved in from walking dogs, spending time grooming cats or even becoming a foster carer. I recently signed up as a foster carer for my local sanctuary; I would love another dog but three is one too many for me right now. At the time of writing this, I am currently juggling my usual commitments while hand-rearing two gorgeous Saluki puppies! Don’t fear, you can choose the species you would like to foster, the age ranges and temperaments, again, all to make sure it is a successful match even if it is a temporary arrangement. Find a role near you here.
Donate items to charity shops or animal shelters
The RSPCA has lots of charity shops and branches dotted around England and Wales. You can donate unwanted items which helps raise funds to care for the animals in our care. You can find your nearest charity shop here.
Sign up to support our campaigns
The RSPCA campaigns for a variety of vital causes, these help raise awareness of the key welfare issues we are working towards. You can pledge your allegiance, write to your local MP encouraging them to take action or become a super campaigner to show your support. Signing up takes a matter of seconds and can make a huge difference to animal welfare.
Hopefully these ideas of support have provided you with a good starting point to being an animal lover and showing kindness to animals. There are many more things you can do to improve animal welfare, share with us in the comments below how you improve the lives of animals.
References
- The Kennel Club (n.d.) What is a pedigree dog? Available online here.
- Teng, K.Ty., Brodbelt, D.C., Pegram, C. et al. Life tables of annual life expectancy and mortality for companion dogs in the United Kingdom. Sci Rep 12, 6415 (2022). Link
- Youens E; O’Neill DG; Belshaw Z; Mochizuk S; Neufuss J; Tivers MS; Packer RMA (2025) Beauty versus the Beast: The UK public prefers less extreme body shapes in brachycephalic (fl at-faced) dog breeds. Vet Record. e5671. Link