Animal Welfare Now a Global Issue to Consider

Public attitudes toward animal welfare have changed dramatically in the last 50 years. Practices and technologies to manage animals that were once welcome in the 1960s are now under constant scrutiny and subject to rejection. although every culture views and values animals differently, perceptions are changing as the gap between humans and animals narrows and humans gain more knowledge about animals, both anatomically and behaviorally.

Fraser defines animal welfare as 1) the affective states, which are pleasure, pain, suffering and happiness; 2) natural living, which entails that the animals should have a life that suits the animal's natural adaptations; and 3) basic health, including the freedom of disease and proper feeding and water supply. He concludes that a balance is necessary among the three elements of animal welfare and the different disciplines, as well as among the various interests, including government, consumers, veterinarians, and farmers.