Animal Welfare (See Animal Ethics; Animal Research; Animal Rights)

Abstract

Animal welfare refers to the quality of life of animals that humans relate to and have moral obligations. The state of an animal’s welfare indicates how the animal is co** (physiologically, behaviorally, cognitively, and emotionally) with the conditions in which it lives. The requisite quality of life or standards of care largely refer to the protection of each animal’s interests such as adequate living conditions according to the species in question (nourishment, comfort, safety, health, and longevity). Particular requirements are also specified for animals such as pets (not to be abandoned), livestock (stress-free transportation and slaughter), laboratory animals (reducing pain and discomfort as much as possible), and zoo animals (reproducing conditions found in the wild), and for entertainment animals such as those in circuses or bullfighting (to be progressively abolished).