The attitude of individuals and groups to pests can influence the support for or objection to managing pests. For example, what might be a pest to one group might be variously regarded as an animal of cultural value, a food resource, a valued native animal, a commercial resource, an endemic and exotic disease hazard or a recreational hunting resource. Animal welfare groups aim to protect all animals from cruelty and improper exploitation, and to encourage considerate treatment of animals. While they accept that pest animals may need to be controlled under some circumstances, in general they oppose control practices that cause animals unnecessary pain or suffering.

Click on the links to find out more about animal welfare and other attitudes and perceptions that influence pest animals and their management.