Welfare - L1 Flashcards
What were some key factors that led to the development of animal welfare science?
Driven by increasing public concern for the ethical treatment of animals, advancements in understanding animal cognition and emotions, and growing evidence of the impact of different practices on animal well-being.
What are the three major orientations towards animal welfare?
- Biological function
- Natural living
- Affective state (feelings)
These are not completely separate or mutually exclusive.
What are the 5 freedoms?
- freedom from hunger and thirst
- freedom from discomfort
- freedom from pain, injury and disease
- freedom to express normal behaviour
- freedom from fear and distress
What is Biological Function? And what are some issues with this perspective alone?
It emphasises on the basic health and function of the animal, and its goal is to ensure good physical health, function, and reproduction.
Issues can include that the animal is healthy but unhappy, for example, living an unnatural life.
What is Natural Living? What are some issues with this perspective alone?
It emphasises on the naturalness of the environment, and the animal’s ability to express their natural behaviour. Its goal is to allow the animal to develop and live in a way that is natural to the species, matching their adaptations.
Welfare is good when the animal’s environment is similar to their natural environment and/or they are able to perform their full range of natural behaviours.
Issues include predation, more prone to diseases, and uncontrolled health issues.
What is Affective State? What are some issues with this perspective alone?
Emphasises on the animal’s experience and emotions. Its goal is to minimise unpleasant feelings, allowing normal pleasures.
Welfare is good when the animal is experiencing a positive mental state.
Issues include that this could effect their biological function, such as too much food making them unhealthy.
