How and why we measure the welfare of livestock and wildlife

Animal welfare is a concept that means many things to many different people. It inspires passion and altruism in those who see animals as sentient beings; but in contrast, has also been vilified as a concept contrary to the ideal of human rights and dignity, particularly in Africa. Understanding the value systems and ethics involved and monitoring livestock and wildlife welfare, using science-based, objective criteria (welfare audits) will be discussed in this module.