Animals have been the source for human progress and development for thousands of years, providing us with food, transport, protection, and companionship. More recently animals are being used in entertainment, search and rescue, guidance, military and customs duties, education, and research.
Until today, notwithstanding our modern technologies, we humans still benefit hugely from the animals around us. Nearly 1 billion of the world’s poorest people rely directly on animals for their income. The welfare of these animals is essential to supporting and protecting human livelihoods as good animal health improves productivity, generates income, and creates stability, leading to sustainable development.
At the same time, we are a cause of harm to animals and the environment, and indirectly a threat to our own welfare, reminding us of the connections among issues: Industrial animal agriculture is a significant contributor to carbon emissions; run-off from manure “lagoons” polluting waterways can have serious consequences upon our own health; increasing use of antibiotics in animal feed has led to resistant strains of bacteria in humans. Moreover, we human beings are increasingly encroaching on their natural environment and habitat.
Therefore, it is imperative, not only for our own well-being, but also out of an ethical obligation, to care for and to treat animals with respect and with kindness, needing and deserving our care.
This is why we at HCAW, in the process of providing veterinary services and conducting awareness raising and educational activities, are trying to convey how individuals may live with respect for all living creatures and in harmony with our environment in a just, sustainable and peaceful community. In particular, we believe that with addressing children with our humane message for care and respect for animals and the environment, we are stimulating generations of people to treat one another in the same fashion with compassion and kindness.
Photographs on this page by our friend and Jordan's master photographer Zohrab.
Animal Welfare and the 5 Freedoms
1) Freedom from thirst and hunger by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
2) Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
3) Freedom from pain, injury, and disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
4) Freedom to express most normal behavior by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind.
5) Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
Source: Five Freedoms (http:/ / www. fawc. org. uk/ freedoms. htm) Farm Animal Welfare Council