Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Towards Animal Welfare Among Malaysian Reptile Owners

Animal welfare aims to protect animals and ensure they can live according to their natural needs, considering their physical and mental well-being. Despite the growing popularity of reptiles as pets and for breeding, and increasing concerns about their welfare, research on reptile welfare remains limited, particularly in Malaysia. This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Malaysian reptile owners concerning reptile welfare, filling gaps in local research. A validated cross-sectional survey was conducted online, with 100 reptile owners participating. The collected data were analysed descriptively, and associations were assessed using the Chi-square test and Pearson's correlation analysis with IBM SPSS Statistics version 29. The results revealed that the majority of respondents demonstrated good knowledge (n = 82, 82%), good attitudes (n = 54, 54%) and poor practices (n = 66, 66%) towards animal welfare. Significant associations were found between access to veterinary services with a good knowledge level (p = 0.004), while education level (p = 0.001) and snake ownership (p = 0.041) were associated with good attitude levels. There was a significant correlation between knowledge and practice (r = 0.226, p = 0.024), while attitude and practice also had significant correlation (r = 0.367, p = 0.000). Thus, the study underscores the need for targeted educational interventions, collaborative training programs, and enhanced enforcement of animal welfare laws. These efforts aim to bridge the gap between knowledge, attitudes, and practical application, fostering improved welfare standards for reptiles in Malaysia.
Keywords: Animal Welfare, Care, Reptile, Understanding, View