Animal:  A multicellular organism of the Kingdom Animalia. For the purposes of ENDCAP, it can be generally assumed to include all mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and many multicellular invertebrates.

Wild [animal]:  An animal that is neither domesticated nor commonly kept in captivity that country.
For further information, see Defra (2003 – Annex E).

For reasons of clarity, it is suggested that the use of “exotic” animal is avoided.

Domestic [animal]:  An animal of a species or breed that has been kept and selectively modified over a significant number of generations in captivity to enhance or eliminate genetic, morphological, physiological or behavioural characteristics, with the assumption that such species or breed has become adapted to a life intimately associated with humans.
For further information, see Defra (2003 – Annex E).

Animal welfare:  The well-being and health of animals, taking into account that all animals can experience pain, suffering and distress. Furthermore, recognising that all animals have specific inherent needs regardless of the circumstances in which they are kept. These needs may be referred to as the ‘Five Freedoms’.

‘Five Freedoms’: 

1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst - by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
2. Freedom from Discomfort - by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
3. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease - by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
4. Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour - by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind.
5. Freedom from Fear and Distress - by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering

(FAWC; OIE)
ENDCAP believes that animals should be guaranteed the Five Freedoms as an absolute minimum.

Animal training:  The modification of an animal’s behaviour by a human to achieve a goal, either using force, positive or negative reinforcement.

Circus:  An establishment, whether permanent, seasonal or temporary, where animals are kept or presented that are, or will be, used for the purposes of performing tricks or manoeuvres. Dolphinaria, zoos and aquaria are excepted.

Zoo or Aquarium:  A permanent establishment where animals of wild species are kept for exhibition to the public for 7 or more days a year, with the exception of a circus or a pet shop.
Council Directive 1999/22/EC

Dolphinarium:  An establishment, whether permanent or temporary, that is open to the public and keeps cetaceans in captivity.

Pet shop:  An establishment keeping animals wholly or mainly for the purpose of sale.

Animal sanctuary:  A facility that rescues and provides shelter and care for animals that have been abused, injured, abandoned or are otherwise in need, where the welfare of each individual animal is the primary consideration in all sanctuary actions. In addition the facility should enforce a non-breeding policy and should replace animals only by way of rescue.

The wild:  The natural habitat where a wild animal species (as defined) originates or which it is endemic to, that has had little or no human influence, and where that animal fulfils a role in the natural ecosystem.

References:
Defra (2003). Zoo Licensing Act 1981 (as amended by The Zoo Licensing Act 1981 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2002) (“the 2002 Regulations”). Circular 02/2003

FAWC. Farm Animal Welfare Council www.fawc.org.uk

OIE. World Organisation for Animal Health: www.oie.int