HALIFAX — About 17 per cent of all Canadians are making an effort to limit the amount of meat they eat, says a new Dalhousie University study that only polled people online.
The online survey of 1,027 people asked Canadians about eating habits and the results showed, if they are accurate and extrapolated to account for the entire population, that 6.4 million Canadians restrict meat either partially or completely. The survey found that 48.5 per cent said they eat meat daily, while another 40 per cent said they eat meat only once or twice a week.
Respondents said they reduced their meat intake for health benefits, animal welfare concerns, the high price of meat, taste preference, weight control and they consider it more environmentally friendly.
The survey also found that 32.2 per cent are thinking of reducing their meat consumption over the next six months.
Almost 20 per cent surveyed said they are reminded of the deaths and suffering of animals when they eat meat.