Advanced Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Care

Wildlife Management and Veterinary Welfare

Human understanding of animals – especially their sentience, needs and natures – is developing all the time. The physical states of poor welfare are more readily accessible and understandable (particularly for veterinarians, who undertook much of the early work on welfare). But new research leads naturally to greater understanding of mental states and needs and natures. This is particularly true of ethological research, including ‘preference testing’ where animals’ preferences are measured and assessed. This may be why earlier definitions of welfare centred on physical states, whereas the latest definitions have reflected the complex, multi-faceted nature of animal welfare. Concern for animal welfare has historically focused on the use of animals for farm livestock production, transport, sale and slaughter, and research, testing and teaching. In addition, legislation designed to protect animal welfare often excludes pests or pest control. Attitudes towards pests have contributed to this, with pests usually and rightly in many cases, portrayed in a negative manner