According to a survey, meat consumption in Austria is 57.6 kilos per person each year. The study, conducted by the Market Institute and commissioned by the animal protection organisation Four Paws, shows that 38% of people in Austria frequently buy meat on special offer and often purchase more than planned (20%).
“74% of respondents said that mandatory labelling of animal products, based on farming methods and origin, is either very important or important,” said Veronika Weissenböck, campaign leader at Four Paws. “Austrians have clearly identified the major animal welfare issues here. Topics like illegal puppy trafficking, fully slatted floors in pig and cattle farming, and private bite and attack training for dogs were all raised by over two-thirds of the population.”
However, only 12% knew the origin of the meat they had during their last restaurant visit.
Four Paws has long called for a ban on discounts for meat. “Our survey shows that people often buy too much when meat is on sale. Slashing prices on food is not only ethically questionable – as an animal has to die for meat – but it’s also troubling from a health and climate perspective when too much meat is eaten,” Weissenböck explained.
The survey also shows that people who eat meat several times a week are more likely to buy it on offer. “It seems those who consume less meat tend to go for more expensive or higher-quality options,” Weissenböck noted. “There’s also a notable link when it comes to animal welfare: people who eat a lot of meat tend to rely much more on Austrian animal welfare laws to safeguard animals’ wellbeing than those who eat meat less frequently.”
At least 15% of those who eat meat several times a week admitted that they eat too much. “If we want to protect animals, the environment, and our health, we need to eat a lot less meat,” Weissenböck stressed.
A study last year of 7,500 people across 10 European countries found that 51% of respondents were actively trying to reduce their meat consumption.