Animal welfare encompasses the well-being of non-human animals and is an important consideration in various contexts. The concept of animal welfare is often debated among animal welfare groups, legislators, and academics, as formal standards may vary. Animal welfare science utilizes different measures, including longevity, disease prevalence, behavior, physiology, and reproduction, although there is ongoing discussion regarding which indicators best reflect animal welfare.
The foundation of respecting animal welfare lies in the recognition that non-human animals are sentient beings and deserve consideration for their well-being and avoidance of suffering, particularly when they are under human care. This concern extends to various aspects of human-animal interactions, such as the treatment of animals in the food industry, their use in scientific research, their living conditions as pets, in zoos, farms, circuses, and the impact of human activities on the welfare and survival of wild species.
Criticism of the concept of animal welfare can come from opposing perspectives. Some historical thinkers argue that humans have no obligations towards animals, while the animal rights position asserts that animals should not be treated as property, and any human use of animals is unacceptable. As a result, some animal rights advocates argue that the focus on animal welfare can perpetuate and increase the exploitation of animals. Consequently, animal welfare and animal rights are sometimes viewed as conflicting positions, although others perceive animal welfare as a step towards progressing animal rights.
Modern neuroscientists generally hold the view that consciousness exists in non-human animals, despite ongoing philosophical debates about defining consciousness even in humans. Recent research has made significant strides in empirically testing conscious and non-conscious perception in animals. A noteworthy study conducted on rhesus monkeys devised experiments that predicted completely different behavioral outcomes depending on whether stimuli were consciously or non-consciously perceived. Remarkably, the monkeys displayed behaviors that precisely aligned with conscious and non-conscious processing, similar to aware and unaware humans tested in the study.
This research demonstrates the growing understanding of animal consciousness and the potential to study it scientifically. It highlights the importance of considering the cognitive and emotional experiences of animals in discussions about their welfare. As our understanding of animal welfare and consciousness evolves, it is essential to apply this knowledge to improve the treatment and care of non-human animals, promoting their well-being and reducing suffering in various contexts.