A consensus on the definition of positive animal welfare

Jean-Loup Rault; Melissa Bateson; Alain Boissy; Björn Forkman; Bjørn Grinde; Lorenz Gygax; Jes Lynning Jes Lynning; Sara Hintze; Linda J. Keeling; Lubor Kostal; Alistair B. Lawrence; Michael T. Mendl; Mara Miele; Ruth C. Newberry; Peter Sandøe; Marek Špinka; Alex H. Taylor; Laura E. Webb; Laura Whalin; Margit Bak Jensen

doi:10.1098/rsbl.2024.0382

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Title (eng)

A consensus on the definition of positive animal welfare

Author

Jean-Loup Rault

University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna

Melissa Bateson

Alain Boissy

Björn Forkman

Bjørn Grinde

Lorenz Gygax

Jes Lynning Jes Lynning

Sara Hintze

Linda J. Keeling

Lubor Kostal

Alistair B. Lawrence

Michael T. Mendl

Mara Miele

Ruth C. Newberry

Peter Sandøe

Marek Špinka

Alex H. Taylor

Laura E. Webb

Laura Whalin

Margit Bak Jensen

Abstract (eng)

The concept of animal welfare is evolving due to progress in our scientific understanding of animal biology and changing societal expectations. Animal welfare science has been primarily concerned with minimizing suffering, but there is growing interest in also promoting positive experiences, grouped under the term positive animal welfare (PAW). However, there are discrepancies in the use of the term PAW. An interdisciplinary group arrived at a consensus that 'PAW can be defined as the animal flourishing through the experience of predominantly positive mental states and the development of competence and resilience. PAW goes beyond ensuring good physical health and the prevention and alleviation of suffering. It encompasses animals experiencing positive mental states resulting from rewarding experiences, including having choices and opportunities to actively pursue goals and achieve desired outcomes'. The definition also considers individual and species-specific differences. It provides a framework for researchers to investigate PAW and thereby generate innovative, informative and reproducible science. Studies of PAW can contribute to a richer picture of an animal's life and may elucidate the biological foundations of happiness. The definition creates opportunities to inspire scientific progress in animal biology and to align animal care practices, legislation and markets with societal expectations.

Keywords (eng)

Animal WelfareAnimalsConsensusAnimal Husbandry Methods

Type (eng)

journal article

Language

[eng]

Persistent identifier

https://phaidra.vetmeduni.ac.at/o:3886

DOI

10.1098/rsbl.2024.0382

Is in series

Title (eng)