Animals rights/welfare

Perceived animal rights or animal welfare concerns or pressures ... 

The eye irritation test is probably the most criticized by advocates of animal rights and animal welfare, primarily because it is inhumane. It has also been criticized on narrower scientific grounds in that both concentration and volumes used are unrealistically high, and that the results, because of high variability and the greater sensitivity of the rabbit eye, may not be applicable to humans. It is clear, however, that because of great significance of visual impairment, tests for ocular toxicity will continue. 

Slowly the animal welfare approach came to be supplemented by an animal rights approach. The Vegan Society was formed in 1944 on the principle that humans should avoid, to the extent possible, the use of animal products for food or for any other purpose. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), founded in 1980, defines animal rights this way ... 

The animal welfare and animal rights movements can both be seen as part of a centuries-old movement toward pan-species democratization - toward the view that nonhuman species have a fundamental place in nature and a basic right to lead their own lives. 

The modem factory ferming methods, with poultry, swine, and other farm animals kept in confinement and in crowded conditions, has been condemned by animal rights activists. They claim that because the animals are often not able to perform their natural and instinctive behaviors, they are suffering. Animal science departments have been aware of these criticisms and have developed a new field of farm animal welfare. Faculty positions in the emerging field have been filled, and students are being introduced to tbe concepts. Animal welfare is being studied academically in a manner tbat is validated and measured objectively and, tberefore, is reliable. The discipline considers the relationship of ferm animal welfare to the animals environment in three areas how the animals feel, their fitness and health, and their namral behaviors. 

Veterinarians play a very important role in modern society and are well respected as vital members of the community. Livestock producers depend on them for successful management of their herds and flocks. Veterinarians in public health positions ensure the safety of the world s food supply. Many owners of companion animals depend on veterinarians and value them as much as they do the family doctor. Research veterinarians are highly valued by many segments of society however, animal welfare and animal rights movements have surrounded the use of animals in research with emotionally charged controversy. 

A yardstick to measure the animal welfare performance of any animal production system must be based on accepted ethical criteria like the right of animals to engage in natural behaviour, and the right to health, food, drink, rest and shelter. 

However, the same market research shows that only 17% of respondents had actually purchased goods that were labeled environmentally friendly. This low level of consumer engagement with sustainable products is reflected across many clothing brands. Although numerous market research surveys indicate that consumers are very worried about issues such as climate change, water use, worker rights, and animal welfare, at the point of purchase this interest seems to be bypassed, and sustainability does not feature in the purchasing decision process. But why is this so ... 

Lack of historical and geographical perspective often means that we fail to realize how mnch morality changes from time to time and from place to place. Attitudes to human rights and to animal welfare illustrate this very clearly. 

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