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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Melissa BatesonORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2025 The Author(s).The concept of animal welfare is evolving due to progress in our scientific understanding of animal biology and changing societal expectations. Animal welfare science has been primarily concerned with minimizing suffering, but there is growing interest in also promoting positive experiences, grouped under the term positive animal welfare (PAW). However, there are discrepancies in the use of the term PAW. An interdisciplinary group arrived at a consensus that 'PAW can be defined as the animal flourishing through the experience of predominantly positive mental states and the development of competence and resilience. PAW goes beyond ensuring good physical health and the prevention and alleviation of suffering. It encompasses animals experiencing positive mental states resulting from rewarding experiences, including having choices and opportunities to actively pursue goals and achieve desired outcomes'. The definition also considers individual and species-specific differences. It provides a framework for researchers to investigate PAW and thereby generate innovative, informative and reproducible science. Studies of PAW can contribute to a richer picture of an animal's life and may elucidate the biological foundations of happiness. The definition creates opportunities to inspire scientific progress in animal biology and to align animal care practices, legislation and markets with societal expectations.
Author(s): Rault J-L, Bateson M, Boissy A, Forkman B, Grinde B, Gygax L, Harfeld JL, Hintze S, Keeling LJ, Kostal L, Lawrence AB, Mendl MT, Miele M, Newberry RC, Sandoe P, Spinka M, Taylor AH, Webb LE, Whalin L, Jensen MB
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Biology Letters
Year: 2025
Volume: 21
Issue: 1
Online publication date: 22/01/2025
Acceptance date: 04/12/2024
Date deposited: 10/02/2025
ISSN (print): 1744-9561
ISSN (electronic): 1744-957X
Publisher: Royal Society Publishing
URL: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2024.0382
DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2024.0382
Data Access Statement: This article has no additional data.
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