Introduction to Animal Welfare Science

These online modules serve as an introduction to the core concepts of animal welfare science, exploring the significance of the scientific phenomenon of sentience, how the ability of animals to feel has changed our’ perceptions of animals and their interests, i.e., to limit negative experiences and promote positive experiences.

Evolving societal concepts of animal welfare are examined, and how this affects the perception of animal welfare in the contemporary world. Animal welfare assessment is discussed using two formal frameworks, i.e. the 5 Freedoms (which was the first tool to evaluate animal welfare, developed over 50 years ago), and the more current 5 Domains framework, which also emphasises the importance of animals’ mental-emotional wellbeing and positive experiences, with a  case study discussion.

This module is aimed at all persons who work with animals, or who have an interest in their welfare, including veterinarians, para-veterinary professionals, animal welfare organisations, animal ethics committee members, animal caretakers, scientists and students in animal-related fields, and persons who interact with animals.