7. The welfare of an animal includes 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. We believe 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 standards for acceptable welfare. They form a logical and comprehensive framework for 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.
FREEDOM FROM DISCOMFORT
- by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
FREEDOM FROM PAIN, INJURY AND DISEASE
- by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
FREEDOM TO EXPRESS NORMAL BEHAVIOUR
- 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:-
- caring and responsible planning and management
- skilled, knowledgeable and conscientious stockmanship
- appropriate environmental design
- considerate handling and transport
- humane slaughter
These general requirements can be applied to turkeys as well as to other farmed animals and we have kept them and the five freedoms in mind during our study.