Animal category: All animals

This overview summarizes the three steps involved in developing animal welfare assessment tools: arriving at a shared definition of welfare, establishing theoretical and ethical frameworks, and  designing validated tools.

Article exploring the emotional and cognitive skills of animals, their consciousness and the affects of their psychological activity in order to arrive at the concept of animal welfare.

Scientific review exploring the dynamic interactions between an animal's state (health, emotions) and behavior. These create positive or negative feedback loops that impact animal welfare. The authors propose adjustment strategies that favor positive affective states. The use of dynamic models incorporating longitudinal data is recommended to improve understanding and achieve sustainable improvements in animal welfare.

Report from the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty stating that the Conseil général de l'alimentation, de l'agriculture et des espaces ruraux (CGAAER) is overseeing analysis of the possibility of imposing European standards on agricultural imports, particularly in terms of animal welfare, and adapting international rules.

CIWF report on the lack of ambition for animal welfare and the agro-ecological transition in French regional policy making.  To transform livestock farming, the report considers it essential to incorporate strict criteria, improve sustainable practices and join up  public policies at all levels.

Review describing the evolution of Chinese attitudes to animal welfare. Despite low levels of government commitment, interest in animal welfare science is growing in China, particularly the use of technology and remote sensing.

Sociological review considering the challenges to the welfare of humans and non-human animals that arise from cultural, political and social boundaries. A trans-species approach is key to understanding and managing these complex relationships in the Anthropocene era.

Philosophical commentary on changes in animal welfare laws. These reflect the shift in ethical approaches from the prevention of abuse to a duty of care towards animals. A four-level legal framework and a four-step assessment process make it possible to integrate explicit ethical principles into animal welfare management.

Study of the extent to which animal welfare is taken into account in legislation in the 27 EU Member States. Many controversial practices persist in certain countries, such as cage farming, force-feeding and the absence of protection for certain species. EU-wide harmonization of legislation is essential to guarantee uniform high standards.

Summary of advances in EU animal law, with an initial review covering 2019-2024.