“Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others”: The Role of Animal Category in Judgments of Sadistic Harm

StatusPost-Print
Dublin Core metadata
Alternative title
Authors
Rabinovitch, Aleksandra
Tołopiło, Aleksandra
Monograph
Monograph (alternative title)
Date
2026-01-14
Publisher
Journal title
Aggressive Behavior
Issue
1
Volume
52
Pages
Pages
1-7
DOI
ISSN
0096-140X
ISSN of series
Weblink
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ab.70058
Access date
2027-01-14
Abstract PL
Abstract EN
Animal harm often results in lenient legal responses, with prosecutions primarily targeting offenses against companion animals, while cases involving farm animals remain significantly underreported. This study examined pet‐favoritism bias in moral judgments, highlighting how animal category can shape perceptions of cruelty. Participants (N = 569) evaluated sadistic harm toward either pet or farm animals by rating proposed prison sentences and moral condemnation. They also reported pet ownership, dietary habits, political orientation, religiosity, and beliefs about human superiority. The results confirmed petfavoritism, with harm to pets prompting greater moral condemnation and harsher punishment. Moderation analyses showed this bias was more pronounced among meat‐eaters, non–pet owners, and those who believed in human superiority. We discuss the mechanisms underlying more lenient judgments of animal harm.
Abstract other
Keywords PL
Keywords EN
diet
ecological dominance orientation
farm animals
food animals
moral judgements
pet animals
pet‐owners
sadistic harm
Keywords other
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 10. Reduced Inequalities ,
SDG 15. Life on Land
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URI
https://share.swps.edu.pl/handle/swps/2169
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Related publication
Related publication
Grant/project name
Indywidualizacja zwierząt i jej związek z instrumentalnym traktowaniem zwierząt przez dorosłych i dzieci
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