Lecture 16 Flashcards
What does “animal welfare practice” refer to?
It refers to the implementation of ethical principles and laws to ensure the well-being of animals in various settings, including farms, research, and entertainment
How do animal welfare practices influence industries such as farming, research, and entertainment?
They ensure that animals are treated humanely, with efforts to reduce suffering and improve conditions through regulations, standards, and guidelines.
What is the role of ethics in animal welfare practice?
Ethics guides decision-making on how to treat animals, balancing human needs with the duty to minimize harm and maximize well-being
What is the “Animal Welfare Dilemma” tool?
It is an online educational tool designed to help students explore and understand ethical dilemmas in animal welfare by working through real-world case studies
How does the “Animal Welfare Dilemma” tool work?
Students engage with case studies, record their opinions, and analyze ethical arguments regarding the treatment of animals in various situations
What types of cases are included in the “Animal Welfare Dilemma” tool?
Cases include ethically complex issues such as genetic modification of animals, euthanasia of healthy animals, and animal testing
How does using case studies help with understanding animal welfare ethics?
It allows students to apply ethical theories to practical situations, enhancing their understanding of how to make moral decisions in real-world contexts
What is the case of the genetically modified monkey, ANDi?
ANDi was a genetically modified monkey used in research, raising ethical concerns about the genetic alteration of animals and their treatment in scientific studies
Why is the case of the blind hens an important ethical dilemma?
The dilemma centers on whether it is acceptable to breed or keep hens that are blind for the sake of commercial production, considering the harm caused to the animals
What ethical considerations are involved in the euthanasia of healthy dogs?
The ethical concern is whether it is justifiable to euthanize a healthy animal to address overpopulation or other non-medical reasons, weighing the cost of life against social needs
What is the ethical issue with fat pigs raised for food production?
The ethical issue revolves around whether it is humane to breed pigs for rapid weight gain, resulting in physical suffering due to their size and living conditions
What are the ethical questions involved in seal rehabilitation?
The main ethical issue is whether it is right to intervene in the rehabilitation of seals, considering their well-being and whether human intervention truly benefits them or causes further harm
What ethical challenges arise from animal slaughter for food?
Challenges include whether it is morally acceptable to slaughter animals for food and how to ensure humane practices in the slaughter process
How should students approach animal welfare case studies in class?
Students should critically evaluate the ethical arguments presented, consider the impact on the animals, and apply ethical theories to justify their positions
How are animal welfare regulations enforced in research?
Research institutions must comply with animal welfare standards, such as the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), and have Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC) to oversee animal treatment
How do animal welfare standards affect farming practices?
They require improvements in animal living conditions, feeding, and care to ensure humane treatment and minimize suffering, such as implementing space requirements, better handling, and ethical slaughter practices
What are the key factors in ensuring humane slaughter of animals?
The key factors include minimizing pain and distress through proper handling, stunning methods, and swift euthanasia to ensure animals are treated with respect
What ethical concerns arise from using animals in entertainment?
Concerns include the potential for exploitation, inadequate living conditions, and the use of animals for human amusement or profit at the cost of their well-being
How can animal welfare be improved in the entertainment industry?
Improvement can come from banning certain practices (e.g., circuses), providing better living conditions, and replacing animals with technology (e.g., animatronics or CGI in films)
What ethical approach could be used to assess animal use in zoos and aquariums?
A balance between the educational benefits of animal exhibitions and the well-being of animals should be considered, focusing on providing enriching environments and ethical treatment
How might advances in biotechnology and AI affect animal welfare?
Advances may lead to more humane alternatives for animal testing and research, but they also raise ethical concerns about modifying animals genetically or using artificial intelligence to replace biological animals in certain contexts
How should animal welfare evolve as society becomes more aware of ethical issues?
As public awareness grows, regulations may tighten, practices may become more humane, and industries that rely on animal use will need to implement better ethical standards and alternatives
What role will the public play in shaping future animal welfare practices?
Public opinion, consumer choices, and activism will drive demand for more humane treatment, influencing industries and governments to adopt stricter animal welfare standards
