ANIMAL WELFARE – MORE THAN SENTIENCE?

Definitions: Various definitions used by prominent world organizations provide pointers to answering this question. The World Organization for Animal Health defines Animal Welfare as “the physical and mental state of an animal in relation to the conditions in which it lives and dies”, whereas World Animal Protection defines it as “the quality of life experienced by an animal and encompasses how well the animal is coping with his or her current situation and surroundings“. So, animal care which is more encompassing comes into the picture. The Dairy Sustainability Forum explains (dairy) animal care as: ‘’Dairy animals are treated with care, and are free from hunger and thirst, discomfort, pain, injury and disease, fear and distress, and are able to engage with relatively normal patterns of animal behaviour’’. Thus, apart from sentience, the physical (health) status of the animal is prominent.

Associative perspectives: Beyond these definitions, recognition of animal care in recent times has become more prominent as it is inextricably linked with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), biodiversity, zoonosis and the success of implementing the One Health concept.

A Swedish study showed that 66 of the targets of the 169 total SDG targets are relevant to animal welfare. This evoked interest in the policy-making and advocacy circles resulting in animal welfare being a major focus point in world media. Sustainable development embraces a range of different goals, often summarized in the ‘sustainability triangle’, with social justice, economic development and environmental protection in each of the corners. However, since sustainable development is fundamentally a values-based system and industrialization and intensification of animal husbandry put strain on animal care practices, it is increasingly argued that animal welfare should be a fourth corner, turning the triangle into a diamond shape.

Human existence on the planet depends on numerous species which necessitate proper animal care practices and attitudes to maintain biodiversity. From an agricultural perspective, production systems should conserve all flora and fauna species to ensure resilience in ecosystem and water resources.

Emerging zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19, Ebola, Avian Flu and SARS have renewed the debate on the role of animals in human infections. About 60% of human infections have an animal origin and of all new and emerging human infectious diseases, some 75% ‘’jump species’’ from other animals to people, exacerbated by antimicrobial resistance to animal pathogens crossing over to humans. Since some zoonoses happen via the food system, good (preventative) animal care practices become obligatory. To that effect, the One Health approach, as proposed by the FAO-OIE-WHO Tripartite Alliance, becomes a suitable vehicle for preventing as well as responding to zoonotic diseases outbreaks and pandemics.

Some emphasis on sustainable production: The nexus between sustainable production and animal welfare on a (dairy) farm precipitates in pertinent environmental and economic outcomes. Following a sustainable grazing system such as regenerative practices, which will build soil carbon and nutrients, maintain biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions, waste and pollution, and limit external inputs and feed sources, the animal, resource and financial return will benefit. In addition, effective animal care and biosecurity measures will ensure animals in prime condition for breeding and optimum production. Specifics in care include control of disease, correct body condition, limited stress, calm handling, comfortable housing where appropriate, and correct transport procedures, as described in SANS 1694:2018 – The Welfare of Dairy Cattle, and the Code of Practice for Milk Producers.

Literature consulted:

1. Cox, J. & Bridgers, J., undated. Why is Animal Welfare Important for Sustainable Consumption and Production? Perspectives, Issue No 34.
2. Dairy Sustainability Framework. Indicator to DSF criteria: Animal care 2016. DSF, Brussels.
3. Hillerton, J.E., 2016. Dairy animal health – turning problems into opportunities. Journal of Dairy Research 83, 135 doi:10.1017/S0022029916000248.
4. Keeling, L., Tunón, H., Antillón, G.O., Berg C. et al., 2019. Animal Welfare and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 6:336. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00336
5. Otieno, I., undated. Animal welfare in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). OIE Global Forum on Animal Welfare, Nairobi.
6. Place, S.E., 2018. Animal welfare and environmental issues. Advances in agricultural welfare 69-89.
7. Rawles, K., 2006. Sustainable Development and Animal Welfare: The Neglected Dimension. In: Animals, Ethics and Trade, edited by Jacky Turner and Joyce D’Silva. Published with Compassion in World Farming Trust. ISBN 184407255X / 9781844072552.    
8. SANS 1694: 2018. South African National Standard – The welfare of dairy cattle. SABS, Pretoria.
9. The Dairy Standard Agency, 2022. Code of practice for Milk Producers. DSA, Centurion.
10. The United Nations Environment Assembly, 2021. Draft Resolution: Animal welfare – Environment – Sustainable Development Nexus. Revised version, submitted to the Secretariat 2 December 2021.
11. UN environment programme, 2021. Preventing the next pandemic: Zoonotic diseases and how to break the chain of transmission. A Scientific Assessment with Key Messages for Policy-Makers. A Special Volume with UNEP’s Frontiers Report Series.