What is animal welfare?

The term ‘Animal Welfare’ refers to the standards and norms relating to the well-being and health of animals. It is now recognised and understood that all vertebrate animals are sentient beings and can experience pain, suffering and distress (Protocol on Protection and Welfare of animals annexed to the EC Treaty by the Amsterdam Treaty). Animal welfare experts have consequently worked to identify those conditions and experiences which may cause suffering and distress, so contributory factors can be controlled and the negative impact on the animals can be minimised. Animal welfare standards operate on the basis that all animals have the same specific, inherent needs for long-term well-being, regardless of circumstances (e.g. farm, zoo, private pet, circus, etc.).

As a minimum requirement, all animals need:

• Food & water
• Access to fresh water and a balanced diet representative of that in the wild
• Suitable living environment
• A living environment that provides shelter, privacy and mental and physical stimulation
• Opportunity to exhibit natural behaviour
• Provision of sufficient space, facilities and enrichment to permit natural behaviours
• Health care
• Provisions minimising the risk of injury, illness, disease or infection
• Protection from fear and distress
• Measures taken to minimise mental suffering, stress and distress

These are commonly known as the ‘Five Freedoms’. The Five Freedoms form the minimum requirements for numerous articles of animal welfare legislation and guidance around the world, including the UK Zoo Licensing Act of 1981, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the Travelife Animal Attractions Handbook (Federation of Tour Operators, 2006). Any legislation or guidance aimed at upholding recognised standards in animal wellbeing should advocate and specifically require the Five Freedoms as a minimum requirement.