Keywords: Working animals

Exploring the relationship between horse-owner attributes and their approach to horse training

E. Bartlett, E. J. Blackwell, L. J. Cameron, J. Hockenhull

Published in 2024

Scientific article aimed at identifying the factors that influence horse owners' choice of training approach. An online survey revealed that the choice of approach depended on several factors: age, gender, goals, activities, role in the industry and whether or not respondents had undergone training in animal behavior. Beliefs about the sentience and cognitive abilities of horses, and the use of scientific data were correlated with the likelihood of applying aversive methods.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Equines

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Working animals, Animal mediation, Human-animal relationships, Stress

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Work: what links us to pets

Vanina Deneux-Le Barh and Sébastien Mouret

Published in 2024

Article reflecting on the various forms of work we impose on animals. The authors nevertheless emphasize that while work can be a cause of suffering, it can also be a source of pleasure and emancipation, for the humans as well as the animals. Our working relationships with animals can also be based on respect, love and cooperation.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: All animals

Keywords: Animal mediation, Human-animal relationships,Working animals

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The behavior and welfare of neglected species: some examples from fish and mammals

Bukhari SSUH, Parkes RSV, Sneddon LU, McElligott AG

Published in 2024

Synthesis of concepts and methods for assessing animal welfare through the study of behavior, illustrated by work on certain "neglected" species (buffalo, camels, donkeys, mules and lumpfish). The authors conclude that there is an extreme lack of balance in the species generally studied in research on animal welfare.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories:Cattle, Camelids, Equines, Fish, Ruminants

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Animal-based measurements, Working animals, Welfare indicators, Animal mediation, Behavioural disorders

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A Reexamination of the Relationship between Training Practices and Welfare in the Management of Ambassador Animals

S. Martin, G. Stafford, D.S. Miller

Published in 2024

Article proposing a model to improve the welfare of ambassador animals trained in zoos and aquariums. Key concepts include the recognition of choice and control by the animal, use of the most positive and least intrusive interventions possible during training, and a reduction in the use of aversive strategies.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories:Wildlife

Keywords: Animal mediation, Self-medication, Education, Human-animal relationships, Socialization,Working animals, Learning, training

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European Parliament: written answer to question E-003639/23: Elite equestrian sport and animal welfare

Question: Niels Fugland (S&D). Answer: Mrs Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission

Published in 2024

Answer to a Member's question on the measures the Commission intends to take to ensure that the welfare of horses in equestrian sport is respected

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories: Equines

Key word: Animal mediation, Education, Housing,Working animals

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Visites sanitaires obligatoires dans la filière porcine : lancement de la campagne 2023-2024

French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty

Published in 2023

Technical Instruction giving details on the implementation  of the 2023-24 on-farm visit programme for pig welfare.  The visits are intended to check that farmers are familiar with the relevant regulations, to give them advice tailored to their farms, to make them aware of the risks involved in tail docking and to remind them of the regulations concerning tail docking, on-farm welfare advisors and the cessation of castration of piglets without anaesthetic.

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords: Working animals, Animal mediation, Enrichment, Risk management, Mutilation, Human-animal relationships, Pain,, Stress, Welfare indicators

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