Cat confinement continues to be a topic that draws lively debate. Our recent paper “Calling a trade-off a trade-off in arguments for cat confinement” aimed to challenge the narrative that confinement is categorically good for cat welfare and is therefore a “win-win” for cats and wildlife conservation (Glanville et al. 2025). Moreover, we questioned the efficacy of the “win-win” public communication strategy, when the welfare risks to cats are not addressed and owners are not appropriately prepared for the implications of confinement. Our paper has since been critiqued by Legge et al. (2026) based on misunderstanding or mischaracterisation of our original arguments. Therefore, we take this opportunity to correct these, to further demonstrate the welfare challenges faced by confined cats, and to underline how our arguments are intended to align with conservation goals.
Laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) are lifted using a wide range of methods that may differentially affect rat welfare and handler needs. Here, we analyse the free-text comments offered by laboratory rat handlers within an anonymous international questionnaire, to offer new insights into handlers’ reasons and concerns regarding how best to lift rats. This may help identify barriers to adopting potential best practice and elucidate what information is needed to develop future guidance on how to handle rats. A conventional qualitative content analysis approach was taken to analyse the data, and three key concepts were identified. The first was ‘a lack of consensus on what is best for the rat’, which highlighted a need to account for individual physical and behavioural differences between rats and between handlers, uncertainty about how to tell which methods are best for the rat, short- vs long-term implications, and lack of evidence. Secondly, ‘job-related influences’ included time pressure, influence of the procedures or purpose, and avoidance of being bitten by rats. Finally, a ‘strong anti-tail lifting sentiment’ was noted, with concerns about the effects of lifting rats by the tail in terms of rat welfare and research validity. The insights offered here suggest that, although the most harmful or impractical handling methods should be avoided, a range of different recommended handling methods may be needed. This would help safeguard rat welfare, feasibility and research validity whilst also accounting for individual differences between rats, handlers, and the varied purposes of the handling itself.
Cats are among the most popular pets worldwide. However, regulations on the protection of their welfare in breeding establishments are scarce. Our study documented management, reproduction, and welfare issues, as well as their possible associations, in a sample of 512 members of the Associazione Nazionale Felina Italiana (ANFI) using an online survey. In particular, univariable and multivariable logistic mixed-effects regression models were used to assess potential associations between management-related practices and animal welfare proxies (i.e. stillbirth, death at weaning, C-section, reproductive success). Italian cat breeders reported being mainly amateurs, with a median of three queens. Cats were predominantly kept indoors, and 94.1% of breeders reported having a nursery. Approximately half of the queens were bred for the first time at or before one year of age (48.5%); however, we suggest postponing first mating, using contraceptives when needed to support reproductive management. Mean stillbirth and pre-weaning mortality were 4.3 and 3.5%, respectively. Mortality rates were lower than those reported in previous national and international studies. Although breed was not statistically significant in any model, Persian, Bengal, and Maine Coon showed the highest observed overall litter mortality rates. In the multivariable model, stillbirth occurrence was associated with litter size, C-section, and male cohousing with the females’ group. C-sections were required in 6.4% of breeding events and were associated with reduced space allowance. Our results need to be interpreted with caution, but they could still provide useful evidence-based recommendations to inform welfare policy changes.
Owned horses rely on people for their behavioural needs, such as access to conspecifics, constant access to low nutrient density, fibrous forage and freedom of movement; otherwise known as friends, forage and freedom (3Fs). Restricting the 3Fs prevents horses from achieving optimal welfare. We carried out 14 semi-structured interviews in the UK and Ireland to examine horse owners' experiences, attitudes and beliefs around the provision of the 3Fs. Most participants were female, aged from 25 to 65 years, resident in the UK and kept their horse at a livery facility. A reflexive thematic analysis identified five core themes in their responses. Themes identified were 'Choice for the horse is paramount', 'Friends, forage, freedom and fear of injury', 'When livery yard rules compromise horse welfare' (sub-themes 'Control of forage and freedom of movement'), 'Horse management through the (anthropomorphic) human lens' and 'The livery yard - balancing both horse and human needs'. Participants appeared to have a good understanding of the horse's behavioural needs and were keen to communicate that these needs should be a primary consideration in their management practices. Owners who kept their horses at home stated that their horses should have access to freedom of movement and shelter in their environment. Livery yard practices, a concern for injury in group turn-out, anthropocentric, anthropomorphic and motivational beliefs all appeared to play a role in owners' decisions for providing the 3Fs. These findings highlight the difficulties horse owners experience when wishing to implement best practice management and provide a better understanding of how such welfare challenges can be addressed.
Despite substantial evidence of numerous welfare-limiting disorder predispositions linked to their exaggerated conformation, brachycephalic dogs remain highly desired breeds in the UK. National and international attempts to reduce demand for brachycephalic breeds appear to have had a limited effect on significantly reducing their acquisition. As ‘designer crossbreeds’ become increasingly popular, an opportunity exists to leverage the public’s desire for intentionally crossbred dogs to meet the ownership niche currently occupied by extreme brachycephalic dogs. However, evidence on the comparative health, behaviour and dog-owner relationship between extreme brachycephalic purebreds and their less extreme designer crosses is urgently needed to understand whether they are truly higher-welfare. Purebred Pug (n = 51) and Pug-cross (‘Jug’: Jack Russell × Pug; n = 51; and ‘Puggle’: Beagle × Pug; n = 48) dogs were recruited from the UK pet-owned population for veterinary health assessments and to assess owner-reported health, behaviour and dog-owner relationships using established tools. Jugs and Puggles had a less extreme facial conformation than Pugs, with significantly longer relative muzzle length and less stenotic nostrils. Purebred Pugs exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory, ocular, dermatological and musculoskeletal disorders compared to Jugs and Puggles, and accrued increased veterinary costs. However, behaviour profiles and dog-owner relationships were similar between purebred and designer crossbred dogs. These results provide strong evidence of substantially reduced conformation-related disorder burden in designer crossbreed Pugs compared to their purebred Pug progenitor, whilst preserving behaviour profiles and dog-owner relationships that are known key motivators for extreme brachycephalic acquisition. Crossbreeding offers major opportunities to improve the welfare of extreme brachycephalic dogs.
Lameness is a key welfare issue in broilers, and the development of non-invasive, automated methods to identify impaired mobility is important for broiler welfare assessment. Current methods for assessing lameness in broilers can be invasive and often require broilers to walk, which may induce stress or pain in lame birds. The aim of this study was to develop a computational approach to quantify broiler ambulation by tracking broilers in an open field and exploring correlations between smoothed movement metrics and bodyweight. At 28 days of age, male broilers (n = 46) were video-recorded during a 180 s open field test. The centre-of-mass was tracked using EthoVision® XT17 at 15 Hz. Zigzag trajectories were detected in 22 broilers and smoothed in RStudio using a 40-point moving average (~2.7 s window). The Euclidean distance (EuD) was calculated between the raw zigzag and smoothed trajectories, and steps were classified based on the variation in EuD over time using a > 2 cm noise threshold. Computed steps were compared with observer counts from the video. Smoothing zigzag trajectories reduced the estimated distance by 57.04% and speed by 56.14%. Computed step counts were 23.49% lower than observer counted steps. There was a strong positive association between raw and smoothed distance, speed, and observer-counted vs computed steps. Bodyweight did not correlate significantly with movement metrics. Smoothing may reduce the influence of lateral body oscillations on estimated distance and speed, although the computational step-detection method requires further refinement to reduce underprediction.
Wildlife rescue is a morally motivated practice that seeks to alleviate suffering in free-ranging, predominantly native, wild animals. However, actions to help individual animals in circumstances that appear relatively easy to handle often have far-reaching and sometimes unintended consequences for animal welfare and raise wider concerns regarding animal ethics and ecological integrity. This can lead to difficult decisions that are inadequately addressed by existing triage guidelines. We present three example rescue scenarios as a foundation for exploring the broad range of concerns that may arise, including the immediate and longer-term risks, benefits and conflicts. Each example, drawn from contemporary Australian wildlife care settings, considers animal welfare implications amidst a variety of contextual factors and competing values. The cases include an orphaned Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) whose predicament is relatively isolated from broader ecological and population-level dynamics, a parasitised wombat (Vombatus ursinus) in a field setting where treatment to improve its welfare may affect populations and ecosystems, and a fire-impacted koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) whose rehabilitation involves the making of complicated welfare, environmental and other ethical trade-offs. By evaluating varying concerns as they apply to these examples and others, along with relevant evidence and prevailing approaches, we expose a range of ethically loaded considerations that apply to wildlife rescue. With increasing environmental threats and a shift in public attitudes in support of wildlife interventions, we propose that decision-making competencies and communication can be promoted through further training in ethical reasoning, the adoption of an ethical review process that includes assessment over time and across individuals, and increased transparency.
This paper describes the management and welfare aspects of Working Equids (WEs) in Limpopo Province, South Africa by utilising a cross-sectional study design with data collected via a semi-structured questionnaire. All households with WEs were invited to participate in the study, and 111 volunteered to take part. Approximately half (50; 45%) of respondents did not have a regular feeding schedule for their WEs, while 92 (79%) did not provide supplementary feeding during times when pastures were poor. None of the equid owners (EOs) surveyed had their equids vaccinated while 88.29 and 53.15% failed to provide treatment for internal and external parasites, respectively. Most respondents (79.28%) treated sick animals themselves with 6.31% doing nothing when the animal was ill. A small proportion (5.41%) expressed the sentiment that equids, in particular donkeys, do not get sick. Most (77.48%), on a daily basis worked their equids for 3-6 h, while 2.7% worked them for 7-11 h. Over half (57.66%) indicated that per day their equids covered 0-4 km per day, with only 2.7% reporting that their equids travelled more than 10 km per day. Although 99.10% of respondents allowed their equids to rest during the day, loads remained on the animals during rest time. Within our study area WEs are exposed to the negative effects of inadequate management, and negative stereotypes towards equids, especially donkeys, persist among EOs. The welfare of WEs needs to be prioritised in order for their well-being to improve.
Resource-guarding behaviour is common in companion dogs and negatively impacts human safety, canine welfare, and the human-canine bond. Experiences with resources during critical sensitive periods of development have the potential to influence adult behaviour around resources. Dog breeder management of puppies’ access to resources (e.g. milk, food, and toys) is largely unknown. In this study, dog breeders in Canada and the US (n = 293) were recruited through convenience sampling to complete a cross-sectional survey on breeding and resource management practices and their puppies’ behaviour around resources. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to determine how resources were managed, the association between management practices and reported competitive behaviour around resources, and the use of aversive-based training methods. Breeder introduction and type of food and toys provided to puppies varied greatly. Most breeders reported intervening during suckling, feeding, and playing to ensure access to resources and habituating puppies to sensory stimuli. Factors associated with increased odds of reported competitive behaviour around food included breeder intervention during suckling and eating, country and breed. Increased odds of reported competitive behaviour around toys was associated with food competition, breeder intervention during play, puppy toy preferences, and whether littermates played together. Increased odds of the use of aversive-based training methods was associated with puppy competitive behaviour during suckling, eating, and playing. This research highlights the need for longitudinal studies on the development of competitive behaviour from birth to sexual maturity and optimal puppy resource management for the prevention of unwanted behaviours in adulthood.
High profile equestrians set an example for equestrian culture as well as public perception of horse sports. The present instrumental case study considers two incidents shared across social media. One is a dressage session featuring an elite equestrian striking at a horse 24 times with a long whip during a two-minute video. The second scenario shows a high-profile rider whipping and spurring a horse for a jump refusal during an international showjumping competition. We collected (and anonymised) 416 social media responses from a performance horse welfare equestrian group, general horse welfare advocacy groups, and public comments on the case videos. Using discourse analysis, we aimed to examine: (1) how individuals respond to the potentially welfare-compromising actions of high-profile equestrians; (2) what the responses tell us about people’s attitudes towards performance horses and their welfare; and (3) what we can learn about the social construction of animal welfare. Two polarised discourses encompassing the topics of the equestrians, the horse, the practice, and the industry are described. Findings demonstrate how enculturated practices and attitudes may prompt moral disengagement from potential horse welfare issues. We suggest that tribalism between those who support the horse training practices observed and other members of society may underpin the observed polarisation of views on horse welfare. Furthermore, this case study provides insight into the social construction of animal welfare in a social media setting. Consideration of these findings brings important insight into the sociocultural barriers and opportunities for the promotion of improved animal welfare.
Play behaviour is increasingly being used as an animal welfare indicator. Calves on standard milk allowances, thought to be experiencing hunger, often play less than those fed more due to lower nutrition, negative affect, or both. However, various aspects of play can be measured, and the most sensitive forms of play to hunger and welfare are unclear. We explored the relationship between milk allowance and various play behaviours and characteristics, including those that have received less attention, such as play responsiveness (i.e. the likelihood of a calf playing in response to their partner’s locomotor play). Pair-housed calves (n = 22) on a commercial dairy farm were provided either 6 L milk per day (standard) or 12 L milk per day (enhanced). Each pair included one calf from each diet group. At 16 days old (7 days after imposition of the diets), the calves were habituated to the play arena, before their play behaviours were assessed firstly in pairs and then individually on two consecutive days. Unexpectedly, milk allowances did not affect locomotor play (i.e. running, kicks/bucks) in either test. The expected effects may have been masked by the calves’ high motivation to play in the arena, as their home pens greatly limited play opportunities. However, calves fed less milk showed lower play responsiveness, potentially due to them having a higher ‘threshold’ for play being elicited or having reduced motivation to engage in social play. The group differences in play responsiveness suggest that this variable may be a more sensitive welfare indicator warranting further research.
Uptake of cage-free egg production in China remains limited, and many food companies have yet to meet their 2025 cage-free commitments. As the fulfilment of cage-free commitments potentially stimulates the growth of cage-free production, it is important to understand the factors influencing corporates’ implementation. Drawing on seven semi-structured interviews with representatives from international food businesses and certification bodies operating in China, this study explores the enablers and challenges to implementing 2025 cage-free egg commitments and the role of certification schemes in supporting supply chain transitions. The findings show that access to cage-free certification schemes has supported the development of cage-free egg production and procurement. However, limited traceability and the absence of government regulation on animal welfare and product labelling remain challenges. Key enablers identified include the establishment of cage-free commitments, internal alignment and organisational buy-in, and phased implementation strategies. Despite this, major constraints persist, including high procurement costs, the complexity of transitioning multi-tier supply chains, and concerns about supply stability and continuity. While long-term interventions, such as policy development, producer capacity building, and consumer education, are essential, short-term market-based mechanisms, particularly the cage-free egg credits scheme, may offer a practical interim solution. These schemes can help companies fulfil their commitments and provide financial incentives for producers, thereby accelerating the transition to cage-free production and advancing animal welfare in China.
Equids slaughtered for human consumption in many countries are stunned with penetrating captive bolt (PCB) to produce an irreversible state of unconsciousness to prevent pain and distress before exsanguination. This topic is much-studied for the most commonly slaughtered species, while literature remains limited on Equidae, particularly donkeys (Equus asinus). This study, in a Mexican commercial abattoir, examined the effectiveness of pneumatic PCB stunning with electroencephalographic (EEG) and behavioural signs in 13 donkeys. Forty-six percent (6/13) of donkeys had periods of ‘normal-like’ EEG after PCB stunning, between 1 to 9 s in duration. However, in all animals, this changed to either ‘transitional’ EEG or ‘isoelectric’ waveforms. The normal-like EEG phases were characterised by increased theta, alpha and beta activity in the EEG power spectrum. Just one donkey showed behavioural signs of incomplete concussion after stunning, showing both rhythmic breathing and spontaneous blinking, alongside normal-like EEG. In addition, four animals did not reach isoelectric EEG during the 30 s of recording. Shot position frequently deviated caudally from the suggested position and this was significantly associated with the presence of normal-like EEG and behavioural signs. These results highlight welfare concerns related to delayed or incomplete loss of consciousness in these animals, indicating the need for species-specific stunning guidelines. In conclusion, EEG is a useful research tool to substantially assist in understanding the risks of a potential return of consciousness after stunning. This could help to refine ideal airline pressure, shot position and validate behavioural signs that better evaluate consciousness in donkeys.
Considering the welfare of animals used in research is crucial for both the validity of the results obtained and for the social acceptance of animal research. In Europe, the majority of the 5,784 primates currently used for scientific purposes are macaques (Macaca fascicularis and M. mulatta). Inadequate housing conditions can lead to various physiological and behavioural alterations that indicate poor welfare and can impact upon the quality of the data collected. Although there are a number of documents that summarise scientific knowledge on welfare issues and describe the basic needs of macaques, a specific and comprehensive welfare evaluation tool is lacking for the two aforementioned species when housed in a research context. The objective of the Primate Welfare INdicators (PWIN) project is to develop a welfare assessment tool for macaques used in scientific research, through the adaptation of the existing AWIN protocol for farm animals. PWIN aims to provide an objective lifelong assessment of macaque welfare, with repeated evaluations taking place not only during studies but also before and after experimental procedures. The tool comprises an evaluation of macaque housing, nutrition, health and behaviour, complemented by behavioural observations using 10-min continuous focal sampling. PWIN will support ethical research practices, facilitate compliance with regulatory requirements, and enhance information transparency during inspections and project authorisation processes. Beyond tool development, this research seeks to encourage laboratory teams, including researchers, caretakers, and veterinarians, to regularly monitor macaque welfare at the individual level. The imperative to enhance animal welfare considerations in scientific research aligns with European legislation and the 3Rs principle. By establishing a versatile, species-specific method, this research aims to improve existing practices and support ethical, sustainable primate research.
In this Opinion Paper, we argue that the absence of animal welfare in the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs) may not be as detrimental as some suggest. We put forward the view that the welfare of animals is an integral part of the concept of sustainability, that development which affects animals cannot be sustainable without due consideration to their welfare, and we give examples in support of this position. Put simply: no mention means animal welfare could be, and potentially should be, anywhere and everywhere in the goals. For livestock species, we submit that the synergies between the SDGs when animal welfare is included greatly outweigh the conflicts usually highlighted. Further, considering animal welfare as both an achievable goal and as a mechanism for sustainable development allows improvement of animal welfare to carry the weight it warrants: an animal with poor welfare is not a sustainable animal. By extension, products from animals with poor welfare cannot be considered sustainable, and animal welfare is necessarily included in a well-functioning ecosystem. Through the paper we argue that the challenge is not to add in animal welfare, but to think sustainability with animal welfare. We conclude by giving directions to where animal welfare can be integrated when developing sustainable actions.
The objective of this study was to characterise chronic stress in gestating sows (n = 66; parity 0-6) housed within the same facility, assigned to gestation stalls or group pens (25 sows per pen) within two days of breeding until day 111 (± 1.4) of gestation using hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) as a biological marker of longer-term stress. Hair was shaved from the right hip at day 6.0 (± 3.8), day 37, day 74, and day 111 of gestation; day 37 and day 111 samples were analysed for cortisol. Housing system, parity class (0-1 [n = 23], 2-3 [n = 17], and 4-6 [n = 26]), and their interactions were explored. Stall-housed parity 0-1 females had higher HCC than all other females regardless of housing system, suggesting that gilts and parity 1 females in stall housing may experience greater chronic stress during gestation.
While parrots are popular companion animals, many experience significant welfare challenges, often resulting from not fulfilling their behavioural, environmental, and social needs. To address this issue, we developed a welfare assessment tool designed specifically for companion parrot caregivers. We involved a panel of seven experts with extensive working experience with companion parrots and in animal welfare assessment. Using an iterative process consisting of four online surveys and nine focus group meetings, the expert panel was invited to select relevant welfare indicators, rephrase selected indicators into user-friendly questions, identify missing content, and finally review the wording and structure of the tool. A preliminary version of the tool was then evaluated by four additional anonymous external experts and 69 parrot caregivers for its completeness, clarity and practicality through an online survey. Feedback from this stage was incorporated, and the revised version was subsequently reviewed again by the initial expert panel. The resulting tool, PsittaWel (freely downloadable at: https://www.vetmeduni.ac.at/psittawel), consists of 75 questions covering 145 welfare indicators and is divided into eight sections covering key aspects of parrot welfare: general information; physical health; housing and physical activity; provision of enrichment and exploration; nutrition and maintenance behaviours; social and reproductive behaviours; parrot-human interactions; maladaptive and fear-related behaviours. Further research is needed to assess the reliability of the indicators. Nevertheless, PsittaWel is already a valuable tool for caregivers to monitor welfare and identify potential room for improvement, ultimately improving the lives of their companion parrot.
Rodents remain the predominant mammalian species used for biomedical research and must be humanely killed upon completion of the scientific work. Across the UK, cervical dislocation is reported as the most common method for humanely killing laboratory rodents. Cervical dislocation involves the separation of the vertebrae at the top of the spine and can be achieved manually or mechanically (e.g. using a tool). There is no standardised method for achieving consistent cervical dislocation in the desired location, and no dedicated tool specifically designed, validated and commercially available to achieve accurate and effective dislocation. Previous work has highlighted inaccuracy in method application and, as such, has the potential to risk animal welfare at killing. The aim of this work was to identify the techniques used by personnel across UK institutions for performing cervical dislocation using an online questionnaire. We found marked inconsistencies in technique and the use of tools to aid the application. Mice are predominantly killed via manual operation (i.e. without the aid of a tool), while rats are more often killed using mechanical aids. A wide range of improvised tools (i.e. not designed for killing) were reported, including pens, scissors, and cage scrapers. Further, there was little or no consensus regarding which physical actions are essential for a successful dislocation (i.e. a stretch and/or a twist), and a lack of reported institutional standard operating procedures. Further work is needed to establish validated methods and clear standards to ensure this common method is applied humanely and consistently.
Orangutans are the largest arboreal mammals and the only great apes that spend most of their lives in the treetops. To navigate this environment, they use a wide range of locomotion behaviours. In zoos, however, orangutans often show increased terrestriality and rely on locomotion behaviours that are rarely seen in the wild, such as quadrupedal locomotion. These differences raise welfare concerns, as they may impair the development of their musculoskeletal system and reduce energy expenditure, thereby increasing obesity risk. Enclosure design may mitigate these effects by encouraging more species-typical locomotion. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate differences in locomotion behaviour of orangutans across two enclosure types, one with more flexible structures and one with more rigid structures. We performed focal observations of seven Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) in Apenheul Primate Park (Apeldoorn, The Netherlands), recording their time budgets, types of locomotion and the structures used for locomotion. While overall time budgets, including time spent moving, did not differ meaningfully between enclosures, orangutans showed increased rates of species-typical locomotion behaviours, such as suspensory locomotion, in the enclosures with more flexible structures. Moreover, orangutans specifically used the flexible structures in their enclosure to perform these behaviours. Our findings highlight the importance of enclosure design, with flexible structures stimulating more species-typical locomotion in orangutans. However, rates of species-typical locomotion remained below those observed in the wild, indicating that further efforts are needed to stimulate zoo-housed orangutans toward natural locomotion patterns. Future research should explore additional strategies to promote arboreal and species-typical movement patterns in zoo-housed apes.
Domestic cats (Felis catus) are favoured companion animals, but also highly effective predators that have caused substantial declines and extinctions of native fauna in many places where they have been introduced. In Australia, free-roaming pet cats kill hundreds of millions of native animals annually, contributing to one of the world’s most severe modern extinction crises. In response, policy, advocacy and public messaging has increasingly promoted responsible pet cat management, including containment, on the multiple grounds of biodiversity protection, public amenity, disease spread reduction, and benefits to cat health and welfare. A recent article by Glanville C, Hampton JO, and Sandøe P 2025 Calling a trade-off a trade-off in arguments for cat confinement. Animal Welfare 34: e65. https://doi.org/10.1017/awf.2025.10041. challenges this messaging, arguing that claiming welfare benefits from cat containment is wilfully or negligently misleading. Here, we respond to four central arguments advanced by Glanville et al. We argue that separating physical health from welfare is conceptually flawed; that containment, like free-roaming, involves welfare pros and cons to cats (and their prey) that must all be evaluated concurrently; that privileging a cat’s freedom to roam ignores the welfare and rights of the animals harmed by roaming cats; and that allegations of “bad faith” or deceptive messaging by containment advocates are unfounded and unhelpful. While acknowledging that containment requires enriched care from cat owners, any uncertainty regarding relative welfare outcomes of containment versus free-roaming for cats does not justify ignoring the clear and severe welfare and conservation harms imposed on other animals by free-roaming cats. In Australia, pet cat containment remains a pragmatic pathway that aligns conservation objectives with overall animal welfare.
