Subject: Training

Public attitudes towards aquatic animal welfare

Eurogroup for Animals and CIWF

Published in 2024

Enquête citoyenne de CIWF et Eurogroup for Animals sur l’attitude des citoyens européens à l’égard du poisson et de sa consommation, ainsi que ses connaissances concernant les pratiques d’élevage.

Document types: Technical Paper

Animal categories: Fish

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Pain, Societal issues, Welfare indicators, Housing, Stress

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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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Less experienced observers assess piglet castration-induced acute pain differently than experienced observers: A pilot study

da Silva GV, Lopez-Soriano M, Pairis-Garcia MD, Trindade PHE

Published in 2024

Pilot study to investigate the effects of observer experience levels on pain assessments following pig castration in which observers with three experience levels  used the UPAPS scale to assess the animals.  Inexperienced observers showed lower agreement than experienced observers, although their predictive ability was similar.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords:Animal-based measurements, Castration, Pain, Education, Sterilization, Vocalisation

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Evaluation of a scheme to identify risks for tail biting in pigs

D'Alessio RM, Mc Aloon CG, Correia-Gomes C, Hanlon A, O'Driscoll K

Published in 2024

Study evaluating a tail-biting risk assessment program on 27 pig farms. Results showed little correlation between management practices and tail-biting risk, despite identifying areas for improvement such as stocking density, enrichment provision and incidence of tail docking. The study underscores the need to improve the training of assessors. 

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Aggression, Aggressivity, Animal-based measurements, Livestock buildings, Housing, Mutilation, Carcass quality, Behavioural disorders

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Attitudes and professional values of veterinarians and veterinary students toward positive welfare states for dairy cattle

M.W. Brunt, D.B. Haley, S.J. LeBlanc, D.F. Kelton

Published in 2024

Study showing that beef veterinarians and veterinary students in Canada have attitudes and professional values that are favorable to positive welfare in dairy cows. However, they are unsure of their own ability to influence changes in current practices to improve welfare. The main barriers identified are practicality, resistance to change and concern for the animal.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Education, Welfare indicators, One Welfare, Human-animal relationships

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How does perception of zoo animal welfare influence public attitudes, experiences, and behavioural intentions? A mixed-methods systematic review

Nicki Phillips, Laëtitia Maréchal, Beth Ventura, Jonathan Cooper

Published in 2024

Systematic study identifying three types of factors that influence negative public perceptions of zoos whose objectives are conservation and education: human (interactions and ethics), animal (behavior and health), and environmental (facility conditions). These negative perceptions reduce the public's commitment to zoos and conservation, necessitating more structured research to improve the validity of the studies.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: All animals

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Education, Enrichment, Housing, Living environment, Human-animal relationships

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Horse welfare in semi-extensive system: establishing a welfare protocol and comparing pasture and stable farming systems

Raspa, F, Valle, E, Ozella, L, Bergero, D, Tarantola, M, Necci, A, Bertocchi, L, D'Avino, N, Paniccià, M, De Palo, P, Nannoni, E, Martelli, G, Forte, C

Published in 2024

Study developing a welfare protocol for horses raised for meat in semi-extensive systems, applicable to both pasture and stable housing. Based on an assessment cohort of 429 horses, differences were observed between the pasture and stable systems, mainly related to staff training and the feeding of the horses. This protocol could fill current gaps in equine welfare assessment and help to support veterinary controls.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Equines

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Working animals, Livestock buildings, Risk management, Welfare indicators, Housing, Animal mediation, livestock farming system

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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

Keywords:Pain, Education, Euthanasia, End of life, Behavioural disorders, Aging

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Bien-être animal : lancement du plan national pour améliorer le bien-être des animaux de compagnie

French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty

Published in 2024

Press release from the Ministry announcing the launch on May 22, 2024 of a national pet welfare plan. Based on awareness-raising and provision of information, this national plan aims to prevent and combat the abandonment and abuse of pets, and to improve the management of canine and feline strays.

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories: Canines, Felines, Exotic pets

Keywords: Adoption,Abandonment, Human-animal relationships, Population management, Abuse

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Evaluate the effectiveness of official controls to protect the welfare of cattle kept for beef production

DG Health, European Commission

Published in 2024

Results of an audit carried out in Belgium in 2023 seeking to assess the effectiveness of official controls relating to the protection of livestock. Although the safeguards provided by animal welfare controls on cattle are satisfactory overall, their effectiveness and consistency are limited as the consequence of weaknesses in the instructions issued and their application, verification and coordination between the competent authorities. The report makes recommendations on areas where improvements are still needed.

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Livestock buildings, Pain, Education, Housing, Abuse, Mutilation

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