Since the beginning of time, the lives of animals and humans have been intertwined. It’s an enduring relationship that has left an indelible mark on society. From the first cave paintings that adorned our ancestor’s walls to harnessing their strength as tools, it has been a complex bond.
We’ve exploited them in the name of science, hunted them, domesticated them and incorporated them into religious ceremonies. We’ve turned to them for sustenance, for companionship and some have even become man’s best friend. As complicated and contradictory as it seems, there exists an unbreakable bond that can only be understood by exploring our history.
A LOOK BACK
The roots of animal welfare began in the UK with the introduction of the “Martin Act” back in 1822. It represented the first legislation for the protection of animals (mainly cattle and horses). In 1824, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was established, later becoming the Royal SPCA in 1840.
The increase in concern for animals’ lives coincided with the popularity of companion animal ownership in Britain. This led to public concern for cruelty towards animals through animal experimentation in 1875 when it was discovered that dogs and cats where being experimented upon.
There was a lapse of concern for animal welfare during the First and Second World War. This was fittingly interpreted by Richard Ryder, a UK scholar. He claimed, “that the history of social reform suggests that the war had a cauterizing effect upon conscience.”
GROWING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ANIMAL WELFARE
The 1950’s and 1960’s introduced a stunned public to the factory farming of “food animals” and the cruelty that surrounded it. Ruth Harrison’s book “Animal Machines”, published in 1964, had a profound impact on public opinion, fueled debate and forever influenced the quality of life of farmed animals. It gave a shocking account of intensive farming and led to legal reforms.
Another book that awakened millions to the shocking abuse of animals, “Animal Liberation” was written by Peter Singer in 1975. It magnified public awareness around animal rights, amplified the voice of the movement and transformed the conversation. A persuasive appeal to morality, dignity and justice, it spurred public demonstrations and the release of laboratory animals and factory farms alike. By mobilizing a movement it helped eliminate much of the cruel laboratory animal experimentation associated with product-testing.
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ANIMAL WELFARE VERSUS ANIMAL RIGHTS
In the 70’s we came upon a fork in the road as the movement divided into two paths. Those who believed in and supported Animal Welfare and those that demanded Animal Rights. The difference between the two philosophies has been summarized as such: animal rights supporters demand no cages, while those who subscribe to animal welfare advocate for bigger cages.
ANIMAL RIGHTS
Those who advocate for animal rights believe all animals have a natural right to life and that humans have no right to use animals at all. They actively seek to establish basic rights for animals and stop their exploitation by humans. They believe that all livestock production should be shut down immediately. They argue that humans should not utilize animals for food, clothing or companionship.
ANIMAL WELFARE
Those who ascribe to the principles of animal welfare believe it’s morally acceptable for humans to use or exploit animals provided that the use is humane, that they are sparred unnecessary suffering and that there’s no other practical means of achieving the same results without the animal. For proponents of animal welfare, the suffering of the animal is the central concern.
Animal Welfare has become a hot topic these days and as a principle has quickly evolved its thinking. It now includes the functioning of the animal, its feelings, its ability to lead a reasonably natural life and most recently the importance of understanding an animal’s needs. Animals have basic needs such as getting resources like food but they also have needs to carry out behaviours with an objective, like a hen building a nest when about to lay an egg.
In 1992, the “Five Freedoms” was created by the Farm Animal Welfare Council as a guide to proper animal welfare. Still a good preliminary guideline, it doesn’t take into account an animals needs so it shouldn’t be used if scientific evidence surrounding needs does exist. With animal’s needs in mind, the Welfare Quality® Assessment System was developed.
WELFARE QUALITY® ASSESSMENT SYSTEM
As a critical first step in developing the Welfare Quality Assessment System views were gathered from consumers, the industry, farmers, legislators and scientists. These views guided the establishment of four driving principles deemed critical to safeguard and enhance farm animal welfare: good housing, good feeding, good health and appropriate behaviour. Within these four principles, twelve criteria were defined (as outlined below).
- Animals should not suffer from prolonged hunger, i.e. they should have a sufficient and appropriate diet.
- Animals should not suffer from prolonged thirst, i.e. they should have a sufficient and accessible water supply.
- Animals should have comfort around resting.
- Animals should have thermal comfort, i.e. they should neither be too hot nor too cold.
- Animals should have enough space to be able to move around freely.
- Animals should be free of physical injuries.
- Animals should be free of disease, i.e. farmers should maintain high standards of hygiene and care.
- Animals should not suffer pain induced by inappropriate management, handling, slaughter, or surgical procedures (e.g. castration, dehorning).
- Animals should be able to express normal, non-harmful, social behaviours, e.g. grooming.
- Animals should be able to express other normal behaviours, i.e. it should be possible to express species-specific natural behaviours such as foraging.
- Animals should be handled well in all situations, i.e. handlers should promote good human-animal relationships.
- Negative emotions such as fear, distress, frustration or apathy should be avoided whereas positive emotions such as security or contentment should be promoted.
THE FUTURE OF ANIMAL WELFARE
The ethical structure for how animal welfare will proceed will be determined by society based on how it impacts not only the animal but also competing issues such as cost, product quality, public safety and environmental impact. Methods to measure and control pain, along with assessing their feelings, will continue to guide research. Welfare outcome indicators for use by veterinarians and farmers have become increasingly accurate and will keep improving as scientific methodologies to evaluate their welfare are developed.
We’ve had a storied and at times contentious history with animals. There has been chapters we wish we could rewrite, but can’t. Our past doesn’t define us, as it is gone. As for the future, that is up to us. We are only what we choose to do today. Fortunately society has had its awakening and has decided to take a step in unison in the right direction because it’s the right thing to do.