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Animal welfare
Introduction
Animals are used by man for many purposes including the production of food and clothing, draught power, companionship, recreation, scientific research and education. In all cases, some degree of modification of the genetics and/or environment of the species concerned has taken place. Both those responsible for the animals, and society as a whole, have a duty to ensure that the welfare of the animals is not unacceptably compromised in these processes. The validity of the use of animals for these different purposes is a philosophical question of Animal Rights, on which individuals hold sincere but often conflicting views. Animal Welfare deals with the related, but different, question of the health and well-being of the animals in any given situation. Whilst this is also often an emotive issue, scientists are continually seeking ways to allow objective and informed judgements to be made.The importance of ensuring good animal welfare
There are many reasons why animal welfare is an important subject for consideration by all animal keepers:Moral duty
It is the belief of most people that causing deliberate and unnecessary suffering to animals is unethical. However, the extent of this belief depends on individual opinion, which is often moulded by the economic circumstances and accepted moral norms of the culture in which a person exists.Legal requirement
Since early in the 20th century, general legislation to protect animals against cruelty has existed in Britain. In recent years, this has been strengthened by an increasing amount of more specific legislation, for example to protect farm livestock, wildlife or animals used in scientific research. Whilst the British government has on many occasions adopted such legislation unilaterally, there is a growing trend for harmonisation throughout The European Union, with new initiatives coming from the Council of Europe and European Commission.Economic consideration
Where animals are farmed for productive purposes, it is now proven that, in the majority of circumstances, poor welfare will result in reduced biological and economic output. This is because of the intricate interactions between the hormonal changes associated with poor welfare and the processes regulating growth, reproduction and product quality.The definition of animal welfare
There have been many attempts to provide a scientific definition of animal welfare, which will assist, with objective discussion of its many complex issues. The most widely used current definition, both in Britain and internationally, has come to be that encompassing the 'Five Freedoms for Animal Welfare'. This approach was first formulated by the Farm Animal Welfare Council, a body set up by the UK government, in response to the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1968, to advise them on issues relating to farm animal welfare and to develop new standards for agricultural practice. However, the same approach is applicable to other types of animal use by humans, since the following Five Freedoms define the needs of animals which should be met under all circumstances:- Freedom from hunger and thirst - by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour
- Freedom from discomfort - by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
- Freedom from pain, injury or disease - by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment
- Freedom from fear and distress - by ensuring condition and treatment with avoid metal suffering
- Freedom to express normal behaviour - by providing sufficent space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind.
The fourth Freedom, whilst more difficult to assess, likewise links both ethical and economic aims and is the objective of all good animal keepers.
Greater difficulty is experienced in finding agreement on the interpretation of the fifth Freedom. For some it implies a 'return to nature', although it must be accepted that welfare of animals in the wild is often compromised in respect of the first four Freedoms without any intervention from man. A scientist's interpretation of the fifth Freedom implies a requirement to meet the 'behavioural needs' of the species.
These are behaviours, which an animal is strongly motivated to perform in a given set of circumstances, as a result of stimulating factors from its external environment and/or internal physiology. If such behaviours are prevented, the welfare of the animal is compromised and detrimental effects on physiology and/or behaviour can be seen.
The measurement of animal welfare
It is always tempting to be anthropomorphic and to make apparently obvious subjective judgements about the feelings of animals. However, such an approach offers little opportunity for an agreed way forward on an international basis. To improve the welfare of animals, it is therefore vital to find some way to objectively assess this parameter in any given situation. Whilst it is relatively easy to assess physical welfare, since poor welfare results in characteristic changes in physiology and pathology of the body's regulatory systems, the ability to assess mental welfare is still at an early stage in scientific terms.At a practical level, measurements of health, productivity, stress physiology, immunology, normal and abnormal behaviour have all been utilised in welfare assessment. However, the interpretation of these measures can sometimes be difficult, because they may show large differences between individual animals and yield conflicting evidence about a given set of circumstances.
Multidisciplinary approaches are therefore necessary and researchers continue to develop new methods for integrated welfare assessment in a practical context. At the same time, research is ongoing to seek improved ways to understand the subjective feelings of individual animals and define their true behavioural needs.
Practical safeguards to animal welfare
As public concern about animal welfare grows, more and more safeguards are being put into place at a practical level to avoid abuse. For animals used in farm production, legislation is being reinforced by the rigour of Farm Assurance Schemes (see BSAS Issue paper 1). The requirements of these schemes place great emphasis on adherence to Welfare Codes, and regular independent auditing ensures that compliance is taking place.For animals used for scientific and medical research, the approach is as stringent with Ethical Review processes in place that reinforce legislation. The role of this process is to ensure that any compromise to animal welfare is both minimised, and fully justified by the benefits likely to result to future human or animal populations.
The role of the animal carer
For all animals, whether domestic pets, captive wild animals or farm livestock, the paramount influence on their welfare is exerted by their day-to-day carer. The education of such people to understand the needs of the animals and the ways in which to initiate and reinforce positive interactions with them, building up a mutually rewarding human-animal bond, is of critical importance. The benefits of such interaction for the animals have repeatedly been scientifically proven in a wide range of species and the key role of the carer is now widely acknowledged by legislators.Animal welfare is a complex subject, but one which requires paramount consideration from all involved in the use of animals by man. Future scientific developments will facilitate objective assessment of the welfare implications of current practices, and allow more informed ethical decisions to be made.
Acknowledgements
This note was produced for BSAS by Dr Sandra Edwards, University of Aberdeen. For further information, please contact the author on 01224 274222. (five freedoms updated 23 November 2010)For further copies of this paper, please contact the BSAS office on 0131 445 4508.