In an article by Derrick Lightfoot, posted on the SME Bulletin, he noted the U.K. Branch of World Animal Protection report entitled Banking on Welfare. This organization reviewed major U.K. banks that were graded on their approach to animal welfare.  Only Triodos emphasizes welfare with an established policy on loans to agricultural enterprises.  Standard Chartered, the Co-operative Bank and Natwest Bank were commended for concern over animal welfare. In contrast, HSBC, Lloyds, Metro Bank and Santander had no evident policies on welfare.

Presumably using an obviously biased questionnaire, World Animal Protection U.K. claims that 60 percent of respondents want banks to follow an established animal welfare policy. The apparently superficial survey conducted by the animal rights group was intended to poison the well to limit financial support of companies involved in intensive livestock production.

Any survey will produce desired results, depending on the questions asked and the potential respondents selected.  This approach is analogous to the questionnaires and surveys conducted by U.S. animal rights and welfare organizations in the 1990s concerning transition from caged housing for hens to alternative housing systems.  The reality is that everyone is in favor of welfare but only a small proportion are either willing or able to pay the additional cost for higher standards.  Organizations that solicit support from donors concerned with issues including welfare, sustainability and promoting vegan lifestyles and coerce the retail sector are essentially responsible for spending other people's money.