Species : Multiple species

The neurobiological basis of emotions and their connection to facial expressions in non-human mammals: insights in nonverbal communication

Daniel Mota-Rojas, Alexandra L. Whittaker, Cécile Bienboire-Frosini, Jhon Buenhombre, Patricia Mora-Medina, Adriana Domínguez-Oliva, Julio Martínez-Burnes, Ismael Hernández-Avalos, Adriana Olmos-Hernández, Antonio Verduzco-Mendoza, Alejandro Casas-Alvarado, Karina Lezama-García, Temple Grandin

Published in 2025

Scientific synthesis exploring the emotional sensitivity of non-human mammals, manifested in particular by facial expressions associated with limbic system activity. The AnimalFACS tool, adapted from the human Facial Action Coding System, makes the scientific analysis of these facial movements possible for several animal species. This approach helps to improve the understanding and interpretation of animal emotions, facilitating more accurate non-verbal communication between humans and animals.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Mammals

Access the source: The Neurobiological Basis of Emotions and Their Connection to Facial Expressions in Non-Human Mammals: Insights into Nonverbal Communication

Assemblée nationale : réponse écrite à la question n°2243 : Indicateur de bien-être animal sur les produits alimentaires d’origine animale

Question: Mr Mickaël Bouloux (Ille-et-Vilaine (8th district) - Socialistes et apparentés). Answer: Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty.

Published in 2025

Assembly member Mickaël Bouloux, asks  the French Government about the introduction of animal welfare labelling for products of animal origin. The government favors a voluntary approach, and is working on a labelling trial inspired by that for eggs. The Anses is carrying out an expert appraisal to harmonize standards and ensure that they are appropriate. 

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories: Bovines, Caprines, Ovines, Porcines, Poultry

Access the source: National Assembly: Written response to Question No. 2243: Animal welfare indicator for food products of animal origin

Les clauses-miroirs : quels moyens d’imposer certaines normes européennes de bien-être animal aux importations de produits agricoles et alimentaires ?

Loïc Evain, Marie-Hélène Le Henaff

Published in 2025

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.

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories: All animals

Access the source: Mirror clauses: What are the means of enforcing certain European animal welfare standards on imports of agricultural and food products?

Financements régionaux et transition de l’élevage : quels leviers pour des modèles plus durables ?

CIWF France

Published in 2025

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.

Document types: Technical Paper

Animal categories: All animals

Access the source: Regional Funding and the Transition of the Livestock Industry: What Leverage Can Be Used to Create More Sustainable Models?

Developments in Chinese Attitudes to Animal Welfare

Clive J. C. Phillips

Published in 2025

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.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: All animals

Access the source: Developments in Chinese Attitudes Toward Animal Welfare

Rethinking Animal Welfare in a Globalised World: Cultural Perspectives, Challenges, and Future Directions

Oxley Heaney, S.; Szydlowski, M.; Hill, K.; Hooper, J.

Published in 2025

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.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: All animals

Access the source: Rethinking Animal Welfare in a Globalized World: Cultural Perspectives, Challenges, and Future Directions

Translating Ethical Principles into Law, Regulations and Workable Animal Welfare Practices

David J. Mellor, Mette Uldahl

Published in 2025

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.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: All animals

Access the source: Translating Ethical Principles into Law, Regulations, and Workable Animal Welfare Practices

Social learning and cultural enrichment for fish welfare

Chiaowen Chiang and Becca Franks

Published in 2024

Opinion piece advocating greater consideration of the socio-cultural complexity of fish to improve their welfare in zoos and aquariums.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Fish

Access the source: Social Learning and Cultural Enrichment for Fish Welfare

The fragmented landscape of animal welfare legislation in the European Union

Eurogroup for Animals

Published in 2025

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.

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories: All animals

Access the source: The Fragmented Landscape of Animal Welfare Legislation in the European Union

Recent Developments in EU Animal Law and Policy – 2019–2024 in Review

Animal Law Europe

Published in 2025

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

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories: All animals

Access the source: Recent Developments in EU Animal Law and Policy – 2019–2024 in Review