Science and Policy

The Five Domains Model of Animal Welfare

The Five Domains model offers a more comprehensive framework for assessing animal welfare than the older Five Freedoms.

Key Facts

The Five Domains were developed by David Mellor at Massey University in New Zealand
They cover: nutrition, physical environment, health, behavioral interactions, and mental state
The model explicitly includes positive welfare, not just absence of suffering
Mental state is the integrating domain that reflects the other four
The model has been adopted by the RSPCA Australia and many welfare certification bodies

Welfare Considerations

The Five Freedoms framework focused primarily on preventing negative states, but the Five Domains model adds a crucial positive dimension: animals should not only be free from suffering but should experience positive states including pleasure, play, comfort, and engagement. This shift has profound implications for welfare assessment, suggesting that merely preventing suffering is insufficient — we should aim to promote flourishing.

What You Can Do

Support welfare certification programs that use Five Domains assessment
Advocate for positive welfare indicators in animal agriculture regulations
Use the Five Domains framework when assessing welfare of animals in your care
Share the Five Domains concept with farmers, veterinarians, and policy makers
Support research into positive welfare indicators across species