Human stewardship and animal welfare
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1998 |
Authors: |
J. H. Seamer |
Publication/Journal: |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Keywords: |
animal welfare, animal's sentience, human stewardship, well-being |
ISBN: |
0168-1591 |
Abstract:
Animal welfare must be clearly defined and understood in all languages. Welfare means well-being, so that [`]bad-welfare’ is contradictory. Welfare depends upon the provision of all necessary physiological and psychological requirements and the absence or control of adverse factors. Recognition of animals’ sentience led to concerns for their welfare. Since animals can neither obtain nor sustain rights for themselves they depend upon humans for their welfare. Stewardship involves responsibility for something and also responsibility to someone. This can mean responsibility to God, or for those without religious beliefs, responsibility to future generations. Veterinarians act as stewards, responsible for treating animals and responsible to the owners. They also have responsibilities to society. Different societies have different expectations of their veterinarians but veterinarians are well placed to support human stewardship for animal welfare.