Wellbeing 
  • The wellbeing of domesticated animals was 
   traditionally based upon their physical health
  • This took into account their ability to grow, to 
   reproduces and raise offspring successfully and resist 
   disease. 
  • Animal welfare now takes into account the physical 
   wellbeing as well as taking into account an animal’s 
   opportunities to express normal, natural behaviours 
    Farm Animal Welfare Council 
  • The FAWC is an independent body set up to review 
   the welfare of farm animals
  • The Animal Welfare Act 2006 states that the needs 
   of an animal must be met 
  • These needs are based on the five freedoms for animal 
   welfare 
                                     Five Freedoms 
       Freedom :                                        Met by:
        From Hunger and thirst                          Providing access to water and a diet that 
                                                        maintains full health 
       From Discomfort                                  Providing an appropriate environment that 
                                                        includes shelter and a rest area
       From Pain, injury and disease                    Use of preventative measures and where 
                                                        necessary diagnosis and treatment of any 
                                                        problems 
       To express normal behaviours                     Providing adequate space, facilities and company 
                                                        of other animals of same kind 
       From fear and distress                           Providing conditions and treatment that avoid 
                                                        causing mental suffering 
       Costs and benefits 
  • By ensuring that all domestic animals are able to 
   access the five freedoms incurs additional costs 
   initially
  • This initial cost will result in long term benefits 
  • Animals who experience a high level of welfare grow 
   better, breed more successfully and generate products 
   of a higher quality 
          Ethics 
  • Ethics refers to the moral values and rules that 
   should govern behaviours
  • It is not ethical to subject animals to a series of 
   negative experiences such as pain and distress simply 
   for cheap eggs and meat