Showing papers on "Animal welfare published in 1993"

UNDERSTANDING DOGS: Caretakers' Attributions of Mindedness in Canine-Human Relationships

Abstract: This article focuses on the criteria used by dog owners to define their animals as minded individuals with whom they maintain viable and satisfying social relationships. The discussion is based on ...

Animals and the Scope of Justice

Abstract: Animals share our physical world, but the moral rules, values, and concerns about fairness that apply to those within our scope of justice rarely apply to animals. This paper reports an experiment that investigated the effect of three variables hypothesized to modify subjects' inclusion of animals in their scope of justice: (1) the animal's similarity to people, (2) the animal's utility to people, and (3) the severity of conflict between people and the animal. Three hundred and sixty-three high school students read materials that led them to perceive an animal, the Bombardier beetle (Brachinus), as similar or dissimilar to people and as beneficial or harmful. Subjects then read a low-conflict scenario and a high-conflict scenario, each followed by dependent measures. The findings indicated that subjects' scope of justice was modified by the perceived utility of the animal and by conflict severity. Surprisingly, perceived similarity in the high-conflict scenario decreased subjects' scope of justice. The paper discusses the implications of these findings for theory and for environmental conservation.

“The Movement Is My Life”: The Psychology of Animal Rights Activism

Abstract: 1 used a qualitative research approach to investigate psychological aspects of involvement in the animal rights movement. Interviews were conducted with 23 rank-and-file activists, focusing on cognitive and emotional aspects of involvement with the movement, concomitant lifestyle changes, effects on interpersonal relations, and the happiness and well-being of the participants. Three main themes emerged from these interviews. First, there was a surprising degree of diversity in attitudes and beliavior of the activists. Second, animal rights activism usually entailed major changes in lifestyle: almost all interviewees strove to achieve consistency between their ideals and their actions. Third, there were several parallel.^ between an involvement with the animal rights movement and religious conversion. The potential for increased communication between the animal protection and scientific communities is discussed. The animal rights movement has been spectacularly successful at drawing public attention to the ethical issues involved in our relationships with other species. Animal protection organizations have proliferated in number, membership, and influence since the publication of Peter Singer's book .Animal Liber

Animals, politics, and morality

Abstract: Introduction 1. Animal ethics 2. Radicalism and revival the animal protection movement since the 1970s 3. Captives, companions and the law 4. Animal agriculture 5. Animals, medical science and consumer protection 6. Wildlife conservation 7. Animal protection and public policy 8. Animal liberation and direct action Conclusion

In the Name of Science: Issues in Responsible Animal Experimentation

Abstract: 1. The Beginnings of Institutionalized Animal Experimentation: 19th Century 2. Current Attitudes and Ethical Arguments 3. Major Issues 4. Legislation and Growth of Protagonists 5. Animal Subjects and Alternatives 6. Protocol Review 7. Community Members Animal Review Committees 8. Animal Pain Scales in Public Policy 9. Pain, Suffering, and Death 10. Testing 11. From Sunshine Laws and Civil Disobedience to Raids 12. Use of Animals in Education 13. Source of Laboratory Dogs and Cats 14. Editorial Responsibilities 15. Looking Ahead

Zoos and Animal Rights: The Ethics of Keeping Animals

Abstract: Zoos and animal rights would appear to be in conflict, yet Stephen Bostock argues that this need not and should not be so. Examining the diverse ethical and technical issues involved, including human cruelty, human domination over animals outside their natural habitat, and the nature of wild and domestic animals, Bostock analyzes areas in which misconceptions abound. A timely and controversial book, it explores the long history of zoos, as well as current philosophical debates, to argue for a controversial view of their role in the modern world. Anyone concerned with humanity's relationship with other animals and the natural world should find this a thought-provoking book.

Proposed Typology of Companion Animal Abuse

Abstract: Companion animal abuse is a universal phenomenon recorded since the earliest times. The lack of standardized definitions concerning companion animal abuse impedes research and reporting on the subject. In order to address this problem a typology of companion animal abuse is proposed for general application to identify the different types of abuse. Analysis of the records of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in South Africa indicated the usefulness of such a typology. Education based on the typology may contribute to the prevention of companion animal abuse.

Veterinary Medical Ethics: A Focus of Conflicting Interests

Abstract: Because the veterinary profession serves both animals and people, it occupies a unique position in current discussions of animal welfare and animal rights. Veterinarians are confronted daily by the central ethical fact underlying all human-animal interaction: animals as well as humans often have legitimate interests and moral claims that flow from these interests. This article explores some of the ways in which veterinarians must face the difficult task of balancing animal and human interests. I argue that the resolution of many ethical issues facing veterinarians will require consideration of fundamental questions regarding the value of animal life, careful analysis of key concepts that are applied to animals, and empirical investigations of animals and people who interact with them.

Animal models in biomedical research: Some epistemological worries

Abstract: the past twenty years a number of philosophers2 have raised moral objections to the widespread use of animals in biomedicai research. Their arguments may have prompted passage of laws and policies circumscribing biomedicai experimentation.3 However, they have not diminished appreciably either the frequency of experimentation or the widespread public support for it. Most people are reluctant to abandon animal research because they are convinced it substantially benefits humans. As long as the public retains this conviction, animal research will continue. On the other hand, if people are convinced that (some) research is unnecessary, then their sympathies for laboratory animals might prompt them to oppose (some) animal experimentation. Thus, the future of animal experimentation depends in no small measure on the researchers' ability to convince the public of the value of experimentation. This fact has not been lost on the biomedicai community. They have responded with effective ad campaigns and media interviews featuring physicians and researchers singing in unison: All significant advances in modern medicine have stemmed from research using animals.4 This refrain has been repeated until like the song which plays unbidden in one's head the public cannot shake the conviction that animal research is necessary. We are skeptical. Likely humans have benefitted from animal experimentation and cessation of it may hamper some medical advances. Contrary to

Evaluation of housing systems for sows.

Abstract: Housing systems of sows have to meet the requirements of the sow and the requirements of the producer. Criteria that have to be taken into account are productivity, labor input and management, welfare and health, and economy. Different housing systems for sows are described with respect to these criteria.

1993 Report of the AVMA: Panel on Euthanasia

Abstract: In 1992, at the request of the AVMA Council on Research, the Executive Board of the AVMA convened a Panel on Euthanasia to review and make necessary revisions to the fourth Panel Report, published in 1986.1 Since 1986, the panel has become aware of a need for additional information on some...

Guidelines for animal surgery in research and teaching. AVMA Panel on Animal Surgery in Research and Teaching, and the ASLAP (American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners).

Abstract: The direct or delegated authority for activities involving animals used in research and teaching programs lies with the attending veterinarian. These duties and responsibilities cannot be abrogated by others in the organization. The veterinarian is the single individual with the broadest range of knowledge of animals used in biomedical research, testing, and teaching. Federal regulations and policy require that the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IA-CUC) ensure that the use of animals will be ethically justifiable and humane and that all individuals who perform surgery on animals will be appropriately qualified and trained. The attending veterinarian also has specific responsibilities under law and must take an active role in providing this assurance. In recognition of this, the Council on Research of the AVMA created a Panel on Animal Surgery in Research and Teaching to develop a report on guidelines for performing animal surgery in a research or teaching setting. Drafts of the panel report were sent through an extensive review process that included representative groups in veterinary medicine, human health, government, biomedical research, and animal welfare. The report of the panel was referred to the American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners (ASLAP). As an organization, the major focus of which is the role of the veterinarian in research using animals, it is appropriate that the ASLAP further refine this report into a set of guidelines for the research community. The ASLAP committee wishes to acknowledge the AVMA for recognizing the need for these guidelines and providing the financial support to convene the initial panel. This document was compiled with expectations for change in future revisions. Intended to complement other pertinent guidelines and regulations on animal surgery, these guidelines are designed to help individuals charged with the stewardship of animals used in research and teaching.

Zoonotic disease concerns in animal-assisted therapy and animal visitation programs.

Abstract: In a survey of 150 systematically selected US animal care agencies and 74 Canadian humane societies to determine the prevalence of animal assisted therapy (AAT) programmes (concerns about, and experience with zoonotic diseases; and precautions taken to prevent zoonotic disease transmission) 69 US agencies and 49 Canadian societies reported having AAT programmes. 94% used dogs and/or cats, 28% used rabbits, 15% used hamsters, gerbils, mice, guineapigs and 10% used birds (excluding poultry). About two thirds of the programmes were involved with the elderly in nursing homes, about a quarter of them worked with schools, and a quarter worked with hospitals. Half of the responders had concerns about zoonotic disease control. Rabies, ringworm, and external parasitism were the commonest cited zoonotic diseases of concern. Few concerns were based on actual experience. Fewer than half of the programmes consulted a health professional about prevention of zoonotic diseases. Only 10% of the responders reported having printed guidelines about the prevention of zoonotic disease transmission. Practicing veterinarians are encouraged to make their expertise available to local AAT programmes.

Teaching principles of behavior and equipment design for handling livestock

Abstract: A course is described in which students are taught principles of livestock behavior and how an understanding of behavior can facilitate handling Some of the principles that are covered in the course are livestock senses, flight zone, herd behavior during handling, and methods to reduce stress during handling To teach problem solving and original thinking, the students design three different types of handling facilities Design of restraint equipment and humane slaughter procedures are also covered Both existing systems and ideas for future systems are discussed Students are provided with information from both scientific studies and practical experience

The case for animal research in psychology.

Abstract: The debate over animal research in psychology has centered on charges of abuse in the laboratory, made by animal rights activists who seek to abolish all laboratory research on animals. Concerned members of the public, most of whom support animal research, have asked scientists for assurance that animals are being treated humanely. There is an elaborate regulatory system to safeguard animal welfare, including federal regulations, Public Health Service guidelines, and state and local laws. The benefits of behavioral research with animals are substantial, with every expectation that these benefits will continue. I argue that animals do not have the same moral rights as humans, but people do have responsibilities to ensure the humane treatment of animals under their care.

Pest control and animal welfare

Abstract: Step some 30 years back in time. Rabbits had been a problem but appeared to be under control after years of astute use of rabbiters and dogs. One of the last batches of possums was being released into our forests for fun and fur. Deer were in numbers only sufficient to accommodate the hunters; there was the odd goat shoot, with organised culling in some areas; but by and large we were not overrun with animal pests. I do not recall that feral cats were a problem back then either.

Welfare implications of modern artificial breeding techniques for dairy cattle and sheep

Abstract: The legislation which protects animals from cruelty and poor welfare is described, from both a European and British perspective. Using well-established definitions of welfare, it can be seen that certain current practices related to farm animal breeding may constitute poor welfare particularly for dairy cattle. Taking only scientific measures of welfare as criteria for acceptable practice may not completely satisfy public concern over some biotechnical innovations in animal breeding. A reassessment of attitudes towards manipulation of animals for human use may be necessary.

A comparison of the behaviour of solitary and group-housed budgerigars

Abstract: The behaviour of budgerigars housed in aviaries in a group of 6, or caged individually was studied over 2 months. Budgerigars in the aviary consumed more food and were more active, performing more wing stretching and flying. Caged birds vocalized more. When tested individually, the aviary birds were more active in a novel test chamber and were more likely to approach an unfamiliar bird than were caged birds.