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Evolution of Five Freedoms
that Define Animal Welfare |
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| Paper Id :
17915 Submission Date :
2023-07-14 Acceptance Date :
2023-07-22 Publication Date :
2023-07-25
This is an open-access research paper/article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. For verification of this paper, please visit on
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| Abstract |
Animal owners have a responsibility to ensure their animals'
well-being by preventing any mental suffering. Adhering to the Five Freedoms of
animal welfare means that owners actively support the health and welfare of the
animals they care for, regardless of their intended purpose. These principles
serve as guidelines to educate animal owners on how to provide the best
possible care for their animals. The Five Freedoms of animal welfare represent
a globally accepted standard of care. They have been incorporated into the UK
government's Animal Welfare Act 2006, affirming that all living beings deserve
compassionate treatment. In 1965, a UK inquiry examined the welfare of farm
animals, revealing the necessity for animals to have sufficient space to stand,
lie down, turn around, stretch, and groom. Over time, this concept evolved to
also address the mental needs of animals, culminating in the development of the
Five Freedoms we discuss today – a straightforward yet comprehensive approach
that prioritizes animal welfare. |
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| Keywords | Animal Welfare, Five Freedoms, Compassion, Humane Treatment. | ||||||
| Introduction | Today, milk has transformed into a mere commodity for many of
us, available at a lower cost than certain brands of bottled water. The growth
of the dairy industry can be attributed to the rising demand for luxury food
items such as butter, cream, a wide variety of ice creams, yogurts, and
cheeses. These indulgences are deemed acceptable by lacto-vegetarians as they
do not involve the direct slaughter of animals. In the past, the traditional
role of a family cow extended beyond milk provision. They also served as
labourers, suppliers of fertilizer, fuel, clothing, and occasionally provided a
fatted calf for special occasions. These cows thrived on fibrous feeds that the
family members could not digest themselves. They did not compete with the
family for food but instead played an essential role in the family's
sustenance. In stark contrast, the modern dairy cow, like the Holstein breed,
is a vastly different creature. It is bred, fed, and managed in intensive,
highly mechanized dairy units with the primary goal of maximizing milk production.
Meat production has now become a relatively insignificant factor, as male
calves intended for beef or veal are often sent off the farm to other
specialized rearing facilities. |
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| Objective of study | The aim of this study is to highlight the evolutions of the
five freedoms of animal welfare and to signify its importance in modern
society. The review is to motivate, education programmes must be run for
students and young people who are the forerunners of tomorrow. The study aims
to instil develop empathy and positive attitude towards animals. This is an
effort in the direction to change the beliefs and behaviour and making one
caring and compassionate |
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| Review of Literature | Systematic approach to animal welfare Stafleu et al. (1996) proposed that discussions on animal welfare occur at different levels of abstraction, which they classified as conceptual, explanatory, and operational descriptions. The explanatory stage involves establishing frameworks that incorporate input and outcome criteria, encompassing various aspects such as (1) the animals' environment, including management practices, and (2) the animals' biological functions, which collectively impact their subjective experiences. Fraser (1999) put forth the notion that animals should experience well-being by being free from prolonged or intense fear, pain, and other unpleasant states, while also being able to partake in normal pleasures. Additionally, animals should exhibit satisfactory health, growth, and normal behavioural and physiological functioning, signifying their overall well-functioning. Lastly, animals should be able to lead natural lives by utilizing and developing their natural adaptations. In the United Kingdom, a systematic approach to defining and assessing animal welfare was initiated in the 1960s as a response to public concerns about "factory farming." Webster (2013) explains this approach as follows: "The welfare of any sentient farmed animal is determined by its own individual perception of its physical and emotional condition." The OIE World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE 2021, Article 7.1.1) has consolidated these concepts by defining animal welfare as the physical and mental state of an animal in relation to the conditions in which it lives and dies. Good welfare is characterized by the animal being healthy, comfortable, well-nourished, safe, free from unpleasant states such as pain, fear, and distress, and able to exhibit behaviors that are important for its physical and mental well-being. More recently, Dawkins (2008, p. 937; 2021a, p. 11) suggested that welfare encompasses both the health of animals and their ability to fulfil their preferences and desires. |
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| Main Text |
Evolution
of the Five Freedoms In
recent times, public concerns about the methods employed in food production
have primarily revolved around issues of farm animal welfare. One specific area
of criticism has been the industrialization and intensification of animal
production, commonly referred to as "factory farming," which treats
animals as commodities rather than sentient beings. Ruth Harrison's influential
book "Animal Machines" (Harrison, 1964) passionately and extensively
criticized the factory farming practices employed in rearing broiler chickens,
battery hens, and veal calves within confined spaces. This scrutiny prompted
the establishment of the Brambell Committee of Enquiry in 1965, which focused
on the welfare of animals kept in intensive housing conditions (Brambell,
1965). The committee's findings became the foundation for the concept of the
Five Freedoms, emphasizing the importance of animals being able to stand up,
lie down, turn around, stretch their limbs, and groom their bodies. The
recognition and adoption of the Five Freedoms were influenced by public pressure,
scientific advancements, and legislative actions. The impactful portrayal
presented by Harrison and Brambell played a pivotal role in highlighting the
need for enhanced production methods in intensive systems. As a result, the
Brambell report led to the establishment of the UK Farm Animal Welfare Advisory
Committee, which later became known as the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC).
The FAWC's responsibilities encompass the evaluation of farm animal welfare
across diverse settings such as agricultural land, markets, transit, and
slaughterhouses. They also provide advice to Agriculture Ministers regarding
potential legislative changes. The Council possesses the authority to address
any subject within its domain. Subsequently,
in 1979, Professor John Webster, prompted by the UK Farm Animal Advisory
Committee (later named the Farm Animal Welfare Council or FAWC), expanded the
concept of animal welfare to include both physical and mental needs. This
encompassed aspects such as the avoidance of fear and distress and the ability
to express natural behavior. The outcome of this expansion resulted in the
identification of five distinct "freedoms," which collectively
provided a comprehensive framework for assessing an animal's welfare state
(FAWC, 1979). The inclusion of psychological needs marked a significant
advancement in recognizing animal sentience. In 1993, the original Five
Freedoms were further refined with explanatory guidelines on how to fulfill
each freedom. Additionally, the FAWC addressed the challenges of disease, pain,
and injuries that arise from the pursuit of increased productivity through
breeding, feeding, and housing "improvements." They focused on
applied aspects of animal welfare research and development, aiming to develop
improved systems for feeding, housing, handling, transportation, and slaughter
that strike a fair balance between the five freedoms and the practical demands
of animal farming (FAWC, 1993). The
Five Freedoms Which Define Animal Welfare After
extensive discussions, the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) developed a
concise yet comprehensive overview of farm animal needs and provisions (Farm
Animal Welfare Council, 2006). These include: 1.
Freedom from hunger and thirst: Ensuring animals have easy access to fresh
water and a diet that adequately sustains their health and vitality. 2.
Freedom from discomfort: Providing suitable shelter that offers a dry and
comfortable resting area, maintaining a temperature range within their
tolerance. 3.
Freedom from pain, injury, and disease: Taking preventative measures and
promptly diagnosing and treating any pain, injuries, or illnesses. This
includes vaccination, regular health monitoring, physical care, appropriate
medication, and addressing injuries promptly. 4.
Freedom from fear and distress: Creating an environment where animals are
acclimated to their surroundings and minimizing situations that induce stress.
Conditions and treatment should be designed to avoid mental suffering.
Recognizing that an animal's mental well-being is as crucial as its physical
health, as psychological stress can quickly manifest as physical illness.
Achieving this involves preventing overcrowding, providing sufficient
enrichment, and offering safe hiding spaces. 5.
Freedom to express normal patterns of behavior: Allowing animals enough space
to move, engage in natural behaviors, and have appropriate social interactions
with their own species. They should be able to stretch their bodies fully, from
nose to tail, as well as engage in running, jumping, and playing. This can be
particularly challenging in individual kennel housing situations. By
addressing these five freedoms, animal welfare can be enhanced, ensuring that
farm animals are provided with essential physical and psychological well-being. The
policy goal outlined by FAWC (2009a) aimed to establish a minimum standard of
welfare that ensures the quality of life for farm animals. This approach
emphasizes the use of market forces, farmers' efforts, and legislation to allow
British citizens to determine satisfactory standards. The objective is to
assure citizens that all farm animals have a life that is valuable, with an
increasing number having a good life. The key conditions required for ethical
consumerism and improved farm animal welfare include: i.
The government acting as the guardian of farm animal welfare. ii.
Independent bodies defining standards for a good life. iii.
Determining minimum welfare standards based on an animal's quality of life. iv.
Ensuring stockmen are educated and trained to a high standard in animal
welfare. v.
Implementing valid, feasible, and rigorous welfare assessments with independent
audits. vi.
Requiring due diligence in the food supply chain to verify marketing claims. vii.
Educating citizens about food and farming from an early age. viii.
Labelling animal products according to welfare provenance, enabling consumer
choice.
These
recommendations have stood the test of time and are considered outcome-based
measures, recognized as the most direct approach to assessing animal welfare.
They are not intended as a pursuit of perfection but rather as guidelines for
good husbandry: simple enough to be memorable yet comprehensive enough to be
effective. |
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| Conclusion |
In conclusion, the Five Freedoms of animal welfare provide a
comprehensive framework for assessing and promoting the well-being of farm
animals. These freedoms encompass crucial aspects that address the physical and
psychological needs of animals, aiming to ensure a life worth living for them.
The Five Freedoms have stood the test of time and have been widely recognized
as a valuable tool in assessing and improving animal welfare. They serve as a
guide for individuals, organizations, and governments to ensure the ethical
treatment of animals and promote their overall welfare. By upholding these
freedoms, we can strive towards a future where animals are provided with the
necessary care, environments, and interactions that enable them to lead lives
that are healthy, comfortable, and aligned with their natural behaviours.
Overall, this paper contributes to the understanding of evolving perspectives
on animal welfare, emphasizing the need for responsible practices and standards
to ensure the well-being of farm animals. |
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| References | 1. Brambell, F. W. R. (1965). Report of Technical Committee
to Enquire into the Welfare of Animals Kept Under Intensive Husbandry Systems.
HMSO, London. |
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