Young people significantly more informed about the potential impact of Brexit on the UK’s pets than the older generation
15th October 2018
New research by the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) of over 1,000 pet owners[1] has highlighted a stark divide in attitudes and awareness of the impact of Brexit on our pets across the age spectrum, with young owners seemingly much better-informed than older members of the population.
The research reveals that under-24s are almost three times more likely to believe that the health of the UK’s pets could decline significantly as a result of Brexit (30% of those aged 18-24 compared to 9% for 55+ age group), and almost twice as likely to believe that the Government should abandon the Brexit process compared with the 55+ age group (22% compared to 13%). However, whereas just 2% of the youngest age group believe that it’s not the Government’s responsibility to protect the supply of animal medicines, over 15% of the 55+ age group say the same.
Six times as many under-24s claim to have been aware of the potential impact of Brexit on the supply of animal medicines compared with the 55+ age group when voting in June 2016[2]. While 44% of young people aged 20-24 would have changed their vote had they known about the potential impact when voting, just 13% of the 55+ age group would have done the same.
This research builds on NOAH’s Brexit Barometers, which track the very latest in sentiment across the animal medicines industry as we move ever-closer to the March 2019 deadline for exit from the European Union.
NOAH Chief Executive Dawn Howard comments:
“This new research demonstrates the significant generational divide when it comes to the Brexit debate. However, whilst there may be a difference on some issues, what’s clear is that pet owners of all ages share the same passion and care for their pets. The animal health industry must work closely alongside pet owners to ensure the continued high standards of animal care that we offer our pets in the UK, no matter the outcome of the Brexit negotiations.”
[1] 1,239 UK Pet owners aged 16+ were surveyed by Censuswide from 12.09.2018 to 13.09.2018.
[2] 48.5% of 20-24 year olds surveyed vs. 8.1% of those in the 55+ category.
Notes for Editors
For further information please contact Danielle Carter at Mistral danielle.carter@mistral-pr.co.uk or 07719 567345
NOAH represents the UK animal health industry. It promotes the benefits of safe, effective, quality products and services for the health and welfare of all animals. For further information, please visit: www.noah.co.uk