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).

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:

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.

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