Bridging the Gaps in Animal Cruelty Response: A Mixed-Methods Study of Recognition, Roles, and Collaboration Among Law Enforcement, Veterinary Professionals, Shelter Personnel, and the Public in North Carolina. $50 Amazon Gift Card
You are being asked to complete a survey for research purposes. This survey examines how different groups — including law enforcement personnel, veterinary professionals, shelter and rescue staff, veterinary students, and community members — recognize and respond to situations involving potential animal cruelty. It also explores perceptions of roles, responsibilities, and collaboration in cruelty prevention and response. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- You must currently reside in North Carolina.
- You must identify as belonging to one of the following groups:
- Law enforcement personnel
- Veterinary professionals
- Shelter or rescue staff
- Veterinary students
- Community members
Participation is voluntary. You may stop participating at any time by closing your browser window or exiting the survey platform. If you withdraw after submitting responses, you may contact the research team using the information below to request removal of your data to the extent possible.
We recommend completing this survey using a private device in a private location and using a web browser set to private/incognito mode. Survey data will be stored in accordance with NC State data protection standards.
Compensation:
You will not receive guaranteed payment for participating. However, participants who complete the full survey may choose to enter a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card. Entry requires providing your name and email address in a final separate question. This contact information will be used only for the drawing and will not be linked to survey responses.
Consent to Participate:
If you agree to participate, please select the “I agree to participate” option below and continue to the next page.
Contact Information:
For questions about the study, contact:
Dr. Zoe Loh — znloh@ncsu.edu — (919) 951-5508
Dr. Margaret Gruen — megruen@ncsu.edu — (919) 513-6141
Dr. April Kedrowicz — aakedrow@ncsu.edu — (919) 513-6918
Please reference IRB Protocol #29102.
Participant Rights:
If you have questions about your rights as a research participant, contact the NC State University IRB Director:
IRB-Director@ncsu.edu — (919) 515-8754
Or submit a confidential concern form:
NC State IRB Participant Concern Form