Animal Welfare Flashcards
What is the definition of animal welfare?
Combines the 3 ‘mental state’, ‘clinical health’ and naturalness’
What is the definition of Anthropomorphism?
The idea that an animal has feelings or characteristics like those of a human being
What is included under section 16 of the health and welfare act of animals 2015?
The prohibition of tail docking, cropped ears, and dew claw removal
When did the microchipping of dogs regulation come in? by when?
1st Sept 2015. States all puppies must be microchipped by the time they are 12 weeks old or before they leave their place of birth, by March 31st 2016.
What are the five freedoms relating to animals?
Freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury and disease, freedom from fear and distress, freedom to behave normally.
What is an agreeable physical environment for housed animals?
Warm, dry, clean, odour free, correctly lit
How can comfort and security be delivered to dogs and cats in practice?
-Dogs should be provided with a dark corner to sleep but allowed to sleep where they want in the kennel
-Cats need a protective side to their bed, cardboard box for example. Shy cats may prefer an igloo styled bed where they are closed off
Animals should also be able to see outside the kennel to provide mental stimulation
How to maintain urination and defaecation in the veterinary setting?
- Dogs must be given frequent access to a toilet area and be provided with a place away from their bed for accidents
- Cats should be provided with a clean litter tray away from their bed and food.
How to maintain feed and water in the veterinary setting?
Animals should all be fed and given water at the same time to build up a routine (morning and evening). The feed should be as similar as possible to the feed they would usually receive. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times
How to maintain bedding in the veterinary setting?
May consist of disposable (newspapers, shredded paper) or non disposable (blankets, foam pads) bedding. It is necessary to provide this to comfort the animal and prevent pressure sores.
How to maintain noise in the veterinary setting?
Firm, calm handling of dogs along with walking/exercise reduces barking due to boredom. Sound proofing may be ideal.
How to maintain lighting the veterinary setting?
Lights should be left on all day but with darker areas in the kennels to allow animal to sleep. Lights turned off at night. Fluorescent lighting is safer than light bulbs, which are dangerous if animal comes into contact with them
How to maintain ventilation in the veterinary setting?
Vent is important to reduce odour, provide clean air and reduce airborne infectious agents. Passive vent. (open doors/windows) can be ok for small animals however could result in unacceptable heat loss. Active vent. (air con, extractor fans) more effective.
How to maintain heating in the veterinary setting?
-Dog kennels should have a min of 7 dc with sleeping area of 10 dc and no higher than 26 dc
-Cat kennels should be between 10-26 dc
-ICU should be between 18-21 dc
Controlled by either local (underground heat, fan) or central (thermostat) heating.
