Animal Welfare
The National Animal Welfare Plan
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH’s) defines welfare is “the physical and mental state of an animal in relation to the conditions in which it lives and dies”. AWAG will strive to address issues related to the welfare of animals from birth to end of life, including the humane treatment of all animals.
The National Animal Welfare Plan
The National Animal Welfare plan when completed will constitute a roadmap for improving the welfare and humane treatment of companion and farm animals as well as wildlife in Jamaica. The guiding philosophy of the plan is embodied in the Five Freedoms which are endorsed by the Animal Welfare Advocacy Group (AWAG).
- Freedom from Hunger and Thirst - By ready access to fresh water and diet to maintain health and vigour.
- Freedom from Discomfort - By providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
- Freedom from Fear and Distress - By ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
- Freedom from Pain, Injury or 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.
Violating these freedoms
Violating these freedoms can have severe physical and mental implications for animal, which could be irreversible. It also speaks to the mental state of offenders as it has been proven that individuals who are capable of committing acts of cruelty to animals are more likely to commit human welfare violations. This brings to the forefront the role of veterinarians and major stakeholders in improving animal welfare in an effort to address ‘one welfare’ as human and animal health are intertwined.
The framework for the Plan will also address, among other things:
- Establishing a legal mandate for the humane treatment of animals in the form of a new law, the Humane Treatment of Animals Act.
- Identifying available educational opportunities to promote the welfare and humane treatment of domestic, as well as indigenous animals.
- Identifying and putting in place the resources needed – physical, financial and human – to provide institutional care for injured, mistreated, or unwanted/stray animals and rescued/confiscated wild species, in order to alleviate and prevent their suffering.
Standards
AWAG endorses the standards for animal welfare of the
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
in its Terrestrial and Aquatic Codes.
We Need Your Help!
Help make a difference to an animal welfare organization today! Your contribution can provide shelter, food, medical care, and other essential resources to animals in need.