Key words: End of life

The Welfare of Dogs and Cats in the European Union: A Gap Analysis of the Current Legal Framework

Contalbrigo, L.; Normando, S.; Bassan, E.; Mutinelli, F.

Published in 2024

Analytical article raising the issue of pet welfare not covered by European legislation, such as ethical breeding, sales, transport and end-of-life care. It concludes that a transdisciplinary approach and better education in responsible pet ownership are essential to improve pet protection via a harmonized legal framework.

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories: Canines, Felines

Keywords:Abandonment, Adoption, Castration, Euthanasia, End of life, Abuse, Living environment, One Welfare, Spaying, Aging, Animal trade

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Landscape review about the decision to euthanize a compromised pig

Stoffregen, J., Winkelmann, T., Schneider, B., K. Gerdes, M. Miller, J. Reinmold, C. Kleinsorgen, K. H. Toelle, L. Kreienbrock, E. grosse Beilage

Published in 2024

Synthesis of the results of articles examining factors that may influence a decision to euthanize a compromised pig on farm. The role of animal welfare as a justification and the training of those working with animals in making decisions on euthanasia emerge as the key factors.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Porcines

Key words:Pain, Education, Euthanasia, End of life, Behavioral disorders, Aging

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How does chronic pain impact the lives of dogs: an investigation of factors that are associated with pain using the Animal Welfare Assessment Grid

Rachel Malkani, Sharmini Paramasivam, Sarah Wolfensohn

Published in 2024

Scientific article showing that behavioral problems (reduced mobility, fear, loss of interest in social interaction, lack of play) can be predictors of the appearance more obvious clinical symptoms (lameness) in dogs suffering from musculoskeletal disorders. Knowing how to identify these behavioral indicators early on and proactively could lead to faster treatment of dogs with chronic pain.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories:Canine

Keywords:Animal-based measurement, Anxiety, Pain, Education, End of life, Welfare indicators, Fear, Stress, Behavioural disorders, Aging

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Animal welfare review: Sows are more vulnerable towards transport than most other pig categories

EU Reference Centre for Animal Welfare Pigs (EURCAW-Pigs)

Published in 2024

Article on a summary report published by EURCAW-Pigs showing that sows are the pig category most affected by transport. The three risks specific to sows are: sensitivity to heat stress, a lack of transport suitability that is strongly connected to the poor general health of a large proportion of cull sows compared with average finisher sows, and the tendency of sows to fight when mixed with unfamiliar conspecifics.

Document Types: Technical review

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords:Aggression, Aggressiveness, Animal trade, End of life, Welfare indicator, Robustness, Stress, Transportation, Behavioral disorders, Aging

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