Welfare Science

Animal Welfare Science: History and Progress

The scientific study of animal welfare has grown from a fringe concern to a mainstream discipline over 60 years, transforming how we think about and treat animals.

Key Facts

The Brambell Committee report of 1965 established the Five Freedoms
Animal welfare science became an academic discipline in the 1980s
The development of validated welfare indicators transformed farm animal management
Sentience science has expanded welfare consideration to fish, invertebrates, and beyond
The Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness in 2012 marked a scientific watershed

Welfare Considerations

Animal welfare science has produced concrete improvements for billions of animals by giving farmers, veterinarians, and legislators evidence-based tools for improvement. Continued investment in welfare research accelerates progress for animals who cannot advocate for themselves.

What You Can Do

Support funding for animal welfare science at universities
Engage with Animal Welfare Institute and RSPCA welfare science publications
Advocate for welfare science requirements in agricultural education
Donate to welfare research organizations advancing the field