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 (Article 6b of the EC Treaty of Lisbon). 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
  Ready access to fresh water and a diet suitable to maintain full health and vigour.
• 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
  Prevention of injury, illness, disease or infection.
• Protection from fear and distress
  Ensuring conditions and treatment to avoid mental suffering.

These are commonly known as the ‘Five Freedoms’. They form the basis of numerous pieces of animal welfare legislation, guidelines and policy around the world, including the UK Zoo Licensing Act of 1981, Farm Animal Welfare Council (UK), EU policy, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the Travelife Animal Attractions Handbook (Federation of Tour Operators, 2008). Due to varying interpretations of ‘animal welfare’ and ‘biological needs’, particularly between the different Member States, it is recommended that any legislation or guidance aimed at upholding or establishing recognised standards of animal welfare should incorporate the Five Freedoms as an absolute minimum requirement and that keepers of animals should have significant knowledge of the animal species under their care to ensure that conditions meet their species-specific needs.