Eläinhyvinvointi

Eläinhyvinvointi, or animal welfare, refers to the state of an animal. It encompasses how an animal is coping with the conditions in which it lives. High animal welfare means that the animal's needs are met, including its physical, mental, and natural behaviors.

The concept of animal welfare is often summarized by the Five Freedoms, a widely accepted set of guidelines. These freedoms are freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury, or disease, freedom to express normal behavior, and freedom from fear and distress. Meeting these freedoms is considered essential for good animal welfare.

In practice, animal welfare is a complex issue that involves various stakeholders, including animal owners, veterinarians, researchers, policymakers, and the general public. Regulations and guidelines exist in many countries to ensure minimum standards of animal welfare are met across different sectors, such as agriculture, research, and companion animal care.

The scientific assessment of animal welfare often involves observing an animal's behavior, physiology, and overall health. Understanding an animal's perspective and what constitutes a good life for that species is crucial. Ethical considerations also play a significant role in the discussion and implementation of animal welfare practices. Continuous research and evolving societal values contribute to the ongoing development of animal welfare standards and practices.