Animal Welfare

The Gateway to Farm Animal Welfare

Source:

In the last three weeks, 100 items, 1 events and 5 profiles have been added or updated in the directory.

Read more ...

The 6th International Colloquium on Working Equids - Update

Source:

The 6th International Colloquium on Working Equids

29th November- 2nd December 2010 (optional field visit 3rd December)
India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, India

As the Colloquium is less than four months away, please register now if you haven’t already done so. Don’t miss the opportunity to take advantage of the special extended early-bird registration – one week left!

The 2010 International Colloquium on Working Equids will be a unique gathering where keynote speakers from the worlds of international development, social science, human health and education will interact with animal scientists, veterinarians, project managers and field workers from the world of working horses, donkeys and mules. The interdisciplinary approach is set to deliver a ground-breaking and thought-provoking conference that will use the theme of ‘Learning from Others’ to explore new approaches to benefit working animals and their owners in the developing world.

Pakistan floods ravage bear sanctuary

Source:
Sadly, WSPA must report some distressing news from our bear baiting project in Pakistan. The recent floods have severely affected the Kund Park sanctuary, resulting in the tragic death of 20 of the 23 bears living there.

The death of these much-loved bears has devastated BRC and WSPA staff and we know it will be equally upsetting for our supporters.

Suzi Morris, WSPA UK Director said: “I hope it is of some comfort to know that it was the generosity of WSPA supporters that allowed the final chapter of these bears’ lives to be one of peace and tranquillity, safe from the violence and fear of bear baiting.”

In coming months, the One Health Initiative website will feature other topics to be discussed by individual speakers in the NAVC scheduled Orlando, Florida (USA) One Health session.

Private practicing veterinarians, physicians and other health scientists in the U.S., Canada and worldwide are urged to consider attending. These issues are expected to impact each of you as the One Health movement continues to exponentially expand globally.

Read more ...

Animal welfare: a science or not?

Source:

Treating animals with care and respect is very important and (I hope) there is hardly any discussion about its importance in animal production. But there seems to be a discussion going on whether 'animal welfare' is considered a real science or just a combination of values, emotions and interpretations. But does it really matter?
Read more

Can you ask a pig if his glass is half full?

Source:
Experts from the university's School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development have shown for the first time that a pig's mood mirrors how content he is, highlighting that pigs are capable of complex emotions which are directly influenced by their living conditions. Led by Dr Catherine Douglas, the team has employed a technique to 'ask' pigs if they are feeling optimistic or pessimistic about life as a result of the way in which they live.

In an experiment reminiscent of Pavlov's dogs, the Newcastle team taught the pigs to associate a note on a glockenspiel with a treat -- an apple -- and a dog training 'clicker' with something unpleasant -- in this case rustling a plastic bag. The next step was to place half the pigs in an enriched environment -- more space, freedom to roam in straw and play with 'pig' toys -- while the other half were placed in a smaller, boring environment- no straw and only one non-interactive toy.

Read more ...

Mouse pain study stirs debate

Source:
A study monitoring facial expressions of mice in pain drew fire but was ruled as complying with Canadian regulations.

A Canadian research team that induced pain in mice to help develop a 'grimace scale' recently came under fire from a researcher-support organization, which posted an online commentary suggesting that the scientists may not have complied with Canada's animal welfare regulations. But Canadian officials have since determined that the study did follow national rules for the care of laboratory animals.

The research team, led by pain geneticist Jeffrey Mogil of McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, videotaped the facial expressions of mice during 14 pain-inducing procedures, such as immersing the tail in hot water, putting a binder clip on tails, cutting the paw, injecting chemicals into the paw or stomach and constricting or damaging nerves during surgery. The researchers coded the intensity of facial expressions and reported their technique this May in the journal Nature Methods.

Read more ...

Hot branding ban a very important decision for welfare

Source:
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) are delighted at the announcement from the Scottish Government that the hot branding of horses and ponies will be banned in Scotland.

The announcement follows a consultation by the Scottish Government driven by BVA and BEVA policies calling for a full ban last year.

Commenting, Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA, said:

“This is a very important decision for the welfare of horses and ponies. Hot branding is undoubtedly painful and causes unnecessary suffering.

Read more ...

Vets lead moves to address slaughterhouse problems

Source:
The Veterinary Public Health Association (VPHA) has taken action to address some of the issues raised by the Animal Aid undercover filming at a number of slaughterhouses in England.

In June VPHA brought together representatives from a number of organisations with an interest in ensuring good animal welfare standards in abattoirs: British Meat Processors Association (BMPA); Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS); Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW); Defra; FSA Operations Group (FSAOG – formerly the Meat Hygiene Service);and the Humane Slaughter Association (HSA). The meeting was observed by representatives of the British Veterinary Association (BVA).

The meeting considered the issues arising from the Animal Aid footage and attempted to identify some of the reasons for the problems and how the organisations might work together to address them.

The organisations acknowledged that the Animal Aid films raised concerns at various stages of the slaughter process, including the handling of animals and the use of stunning equipment.

Read more ...

Teaching about pet care


Pet Tales – An AVMA storybook series of stories that teach children about responsible pet ownership.

Source:
The AVMA and Soundprints, a children's publishing company, have created Pet Tales – a series of colorful pet stories targeted to children from preschool through second grade.

Each book is packaged with either an audio CD or plush toy.

Read more ...

Syndicate content