This position paper gives examples of the relationships between animal behaviour, animal training and animal welfare, with recommendations for promoting and ensuring good practices. We recognise and promote the importance and relevance of animal behaviour to animal welfare and the veterinary profession. The paper has a particular focus on dogs and cats and horses. It serves as an introductory paper for further species-specific position papers on behaviour-related issues, both for these animal groups and others.
Animal behaviour is important to the veterinary profession, both for assessing animal welfare and in providing for good welfare. In clinical veterinary practice, for example, altered behaviour (e.g., an abnormal gait or posture) can be an important clinical sign of impaired health. Other kinds of behaviour, such as social, comfort, play as well as abnormal repetitive behaviours may be used as part of a composite welfare assessment to evaluate an animal’s welfare state
Read the position paper HERE
