The 5 Domains of Animal Welfare
The Commission adopts the 5 Domains model of animal welfare. The model provides a framework by which animal welfare can be measured and provides clarity of expectations for animal welfare and development. The model emphasises the need for animals to have positive interactions with people and other animals. The early socialisation of animals is essential for racing animals to adapt well to training and then to successfully transition to retirement.
The provision of positive experiences and socialisation with other animals and people will build confidence and resilience in racing animals and also will greatly assist racing animals to adjust to new situations including retirement.
Promoting appropriate socialisation during an animal’s development and racing career is a key component of the Commission’s Animal Welfare Strategy.
Each of the 5 Domains are provisions that contribute to the overall welfare of an animal. The 5 Domains model is divided into physical and mental components which together give rise to an animal’s welfare status.
The domains provide the requirements for survival and health along with experiences that are enjoyable for animals such as social interaction, exercise, play and exploration.
Management of animals requires positive experiences to be identified and provided for them, and barriers to positive experiences removed wherever possible
1. Good nutrition
Provide ready access to clean water. Provide enough food through a balanced, nutritious diet with variety.
Ensure animals have access to clean water and enough food in a balanced diet. Available food is nutritious, appropriate for the species and individual animal and varied.
2. Good environment
Provide shade and shelter and safe housing that allows free movement and expression of natural behaviour.
Ensure animals are comfortable and safe and provided with opportunities and choices to engage in natural and rewarding behaviour.
3. Good health
Prevent, rapidly diagnose and treat disease and injury, and foster good health.
Ensure animals are fit and healthy and injuries and illnesses are prevented or immediately and appropriately treated.
4. Appropriate behaviour
Provide sufficient space, proper facilities and positive social interactions with other animals and people.
Ensure animals are able to express natural and rewarding behaviour and are able to engage in free movement and play, and have positive contact with animals and people to form social bonds.
5. Positive mental state
Provide safe, species-appropriate opportunities to have pleasurable experiences.
Nutrition, environment, health and opportunity for expression of natural behaviour all influence an animal’s mental state.
Each of these can provide positive and pleasurable experiences that enhance an animal’s mental state.
Resources
- The 5 Domains of Animal Welfare brochure Download