{"id":27539,"date":"2021-05-28T14:34:43","date_gmt":"2021-05-28T13:34:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stonebridge-blog.positive-dedicated.net\/?p=27539"},"modified":"2021-05-28T14:35:52","modified_gmt":"2021-05-28T13:35:52","slug":"why-do-we-need-animal-welfare","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/animal-care\/why-do-we-need-animal-welfare\/","title":{"rendered":"Why do we need Animal Welfare?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Official standards for the protection of animals have been enforced now in some countries for over a century. While there is still a long way to go before animals are protected from abuse and neglect in all countries, substantial progress is being made. But if you\u2019re unfamiliar with its history and what\u2019s involved, it might be hard to see why we need animal welfare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Without legislation in place, there is nothing to hold abusive or neglectful behaviour to account. Many people wouldn\u2019t dream of being cruel or mistreating animals. However, there are people in society that do and have done countless times over the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throughout history, animals have been used for entertainment, food, transport, medicine, war, clothing, scientific advancement and as exotic pets. The UK was the first country ever to implement laws protecting animals in 1822. With their Act to Prevent the Cruel and Improper Treatment of Cattle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This set off movements in animal welfare across the globe. And as the years have progressed more people have positively changed their views of and behaviour towards animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This has been echoed with the UK government publicly stating in 2021 that animals are sentient beings, not merely commodities. Confirming its commitment to the highest possible standards of animal welfare in its latest action plan as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find out more about what is meant by animal welfare and why it\u2019s so important to have in society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
What is meant by Animal Welfare?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Animal welfare refers to the quality of life animals experience and how they\u2019re coping in the conditions they live. Animals are in a good state of welfare if they can express innate behaviour, are healthy, comfortable, well-nourished and safe. They also must not suffer from unpleasant states or emotions like fear, distress or pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s why animal welfare legislation exists to make sure animals receive disease prevention and veterinary treatment. As well as appropriate shelter, management, proper nutrition, humane handling, and humane euthanasia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Animal welfare, therefore, refers to the state of the animal \u2013 not its treatment. Complying with animal welfare standards means you\u2019re providing for the animal\u2019s physical and mental needs. The result of which can be measured through a science-based structure of assessment – known as The Five Domains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Five Domains of Animal Welfare:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Nutrition \u2013 assessing the animal\u2019s access to balanced, sufficient, varied and clean food and water.<\/li>
Environment \u2013 assessing factors enabling comfort like air, noise, odour, predictability, space, substrate and temperature.<\/li>
Health \u2013 assessing indicators of good health such as the absence of disease, injury, impairment, coupled with a good level of fitness.<\/li>
Behaviour \u2013 assessing the provision of engaging, novel and varied environmental challenges through access to sensory inputs activities like exploration, foraging, bonding, playing, retreating, and others.<\/li>
Mental State \u2013 assessing how well the previous four functional domains present positive situations that should benefit the animal\u2019s mental state. Providing comfort, pleasure and vitality while reducing negative states like boredom, fear, frustration, hunger or pain.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Why the need for Animal Welfare?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Historically, people have used animals for many purposes. Many nations used the strength of larger animals for practical benefits like carrying heavy objects or people. Elephants, camels and horses are just some of the species that spring to mind when we think of this practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Others have been farmed for properties besides meat, such as harvesting whale blubber for oil or horse collagen for glue. Where entertainment was concerned, blood sports were common. As were performance animals and keeping wild and exotic animals in cages as a show of power and wealth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In some parts of the world many of these issues are ongoing but organisations are putting pressure on governments to change the law. Thankfully, the rise in technology has also reduced the need to use animals for weight-bearing practices. It\u2019s also given rise to new innovations that have stopped the need to use animals for their product properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, as time has gone on, people have realised the barbaric nature of the other ways animals have been used. Mostly in thanks to animal welfare initiatives and animal rights campaigning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While a lot of progress has been made, animal abuse and neglect still exist in many forms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some modern-day issues in animal welfare are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Factory farming<\/li>
Animal experimentation<\/li>
Donkeys exploited for transporting purposes<\/li>
The fur trade<\/li>
Poaching<\/li>
Keeping of exotic pets<\/li>
Animal use in circuses<\/li>
Hunting<\/li>
Pest control<\/li>
Wet markets<\/li>
Domestic pets \u2013 breeding and treatment<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
How you can Get Involved<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If animal welfare is something you\u2019re passionate about, there are many ways you can make it a part of your career. Several jobs are involved in this area that aim to ensure animals live comfortable and enjoyable lives. And many of these are accessible without degree level qualifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of the roles you could work towards are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Animal Welfare Officer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Enforce the law and educate the public on ways to keep animals safe from harm. Inspecting commercial and residential properties and removing any animals that are identified as being at risk. Should any require medical treatment you would make the necessary arrangements as well as find them new homes. You would also prepare evidence for cases that go to court. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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