A new University of Nebraska-Lincoln poll says nearly 70 percent of rural Nebraskans want adequate exercise and space for livestock, as well as other conditions that may be good for their mental health. But the Nebraska Rural Poll says they don't think increased regulations are needed to ensure proper care of the animals.

The poll found that 95 percent of rural Nebraskans think animal welfare includes food, water and shelter. But 69 percent also think it includes adequate exercise, space and social activities, such as allowing the animals to interact as they naturally would. PD

—AP newswire report