• Freedom from hunger and thirst: by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour

• Freedom from discomfort: by providing an appropriate environment including shelter

• Freedom from pain, injury and disease: by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment and a comfortable resting area

• Freedom from fear and distress: by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering

• Freedom to express normal behaviour: by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of animals' own kind.

They also endorse the RSPCA Australia Animals Charter, in particular that "Animals have an intrinsic value of their own and, accordingly, must be considered to possess the right to live in a way which enables them to have a positive life and to develop and enjoy their inherent qualities". In other words, even the most domesticated companion animals have the right to exist for themselves, in their own space and according to their natural behaviour.

Animal/human bond  

Overview plus specific sections on the cat-human bond and horse-human bond

The truth about cats and wildlife  Updated!

Cat welfare: the indoor outdoor cats debate 

Cat welfare: collars and bells 

Horse slaughter and horsemeat: the facts  Updated!

As the title says, just the facts. Not graphic.

Horse welfare legislation in Australia

Horse welfare: thermoregulation, rugs and rugging, overrugging

Horse welfare: paddocking, stabling, stable vices

Horse welfare: behaviour and intelligence

Horse welfare: breaking-in, restraint, tack and gear

Horse welfare: breeding and foaling practices

Horse welfare: transport and floating

Horse conformation and soundness

The horse in sickness and in health

Foals: handling and care 

Horse breeds of Australia

Horse terminology, points, colours, brands, markings

 

ANIMAL CONSULTANTS INTERNATIONAL Expert assistance for animal protection projects worldwide

EQUUS EDITORIAL Writings on the beauty, history and plight of animals. Highly recommended!

DR TEMPLE GRANDIN'S WEBPAGE Half the cattle in the United States are now handled in facilities based on Dr Grandin's revolutionary and humane designs. She consults for firms such as McDonald's, Burger King, Swift and others.