7. The welfare of an animal includes both its physical and mental state and we believe that good animal welfare implies both fitness and a sense of well-being. Any animal kept by man must, at least, be protected from unnecessary suffering.
8. FAWC believes that the welfare of an animal whether on-farm, in transit, at market or at place of slaughter should be considered with reference to the "Five Freedoms". These freedoms define ideal states rather than attempt to define standards for acceptable welfare. They form a logical and comprehensive framework for the analysis of welfare within any system, together with the steps and compromises necessary to safeguard and improve welfare within the proper constraints of an efficient livestock industry.
FREEDOM FROM HUNGER AND THIRST
- by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
- by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind.
FREEDOM FROM FEAR AND DISTRESS
- by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
9. The Council has considered how those with responsibility for the care of livestock can help to ensure that these freedoms can be provided. It concluded that those in charge of livestock should practice:
These general requirements and the Five Freedoms can be applied to the keeping of laying hens; this approach formed the background to our study.