60 years after the publication of Ruth Harrison’s Animal Machines, which described farmed animals as economic units rather than sentient beings, Sean Wensley reflects on the profession’s evolving stance on factory farming here 👉 https://lnkd.in/ed73v2-t If you found this article insightful, no doubt you will enjoy our 2025 Discussion Forum session focussing on the economics of farm animal welfare. Expert speakers will explore the economic factors associated with improving farm animal welfare, and give insights into human behaviour. More information 👉 https://lnkd.in/em_sudi3
Animal Welfare Foundation
Veterinary Services
West End, England 4,243 followers
Putting animal welfare at the heart of veterinary science
About us
The Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) is science-led and knowledge-based charity who has been putting animal welfare at the heart of veterinary science for the past 40 years. Through funding ground-breaking research and leading impactful debates and conversations at all levels, AWF identifies and tackles animal welfare issues, always pushing for higher standards in the UK. Our aim is to deepen understanding of animal welfare and inspire evidence-based actions so that all animals can enjoy a better life. The charity was established from a legacy left to the British Veterinary Association (BVA) in 1983 and was set up as an independent charity to work directly with the veterinary profession to promote best practice and improve animal welfare for generations to come. As the BVA’s charity AWF has a close working relationship with BVA, which remains one of its key stakeholders and supporters.
- Website
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https://www.animalwelfarefoundation.org.uk/
External link for Animal Welfare Foundation
- Industry
- Veterinary Services
- Company size
- 2-10 employees
- Headquarters
- West End, England
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 1983
- Specialties
- Animal Welfare, Education, Discussion and debate, and Research
Locations
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Primary
Get directions
7 Mansfield Street
West End, England W1G 9NQ, GB
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Get directions
London, GB
Employees at Animal Welfare Foundation
Updates
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A great conversation on the challenges of changing behaviour around brachycephalic dog ownership, with reference to a research project that AWF is currently funding. We'll be discussing this very topic at next year's AWF Discussion Forum on 19 May. Join us to learn, share and find solutions! https://lnkd.in/em_sudi3
Do we need to change how we talk to people about brachycephalic health? It often feels like I can talk and talk about the multiple health and welfare issues associated with brachycephaly in dogs - to absolutely no effect. And it's not just me. Multiple high-profile campaigns over the years have focused on highlighting the suffering of extreme brachycephalic dogs, for example: British Veterinary Association (BVA) #BreedToBreathe Blue Cross UK #EndTheTrend RSPCA 'Bred for Looks, Born to Suffer' and 'Save Our Breath' And yet acquisition of extreme brachycephalic breeds remains high. Sigh. I recently watched Daniel Mills give an update to UFAW on "Understanding why companion animal welfare campaigns fail: the paradoxical effect of scientific information on carers" which was very enlightening on this topic. I'll link to the YouTube clip in the comments as he explains it really well, but basically, we expect: Education -> empathy and altruism -> decreased ownership But this doesn't actually happen. Instead, we get: Education -> emotional distress -> egoistic focus -> desire to help afflicted individuals -> INCREASED ownership So, education on how brachycephalic dogs struggle to breathe, eat, sleep etc leads to a personal, emotional response, which then leads to an egoistic focus: what would I want if I was that dog? The natural answer to that is... to be helped. Which leads to a desire to help afflicted animals, which then actually increases ownership. Of course, this desire to own and care for a dog which you are also being told not to own leads to a whole world of dissonance.... but that's a whole other post. Pic of me with one of the dogs from my project on Pugs and Pug-crosses, displaying his extremely flat face, and the fact that I had to carry him home after his 3 minutes of exercise for his RFG.
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📅 Save the date ! Our flagship event, The Discussion Forum, will be back on Monday 19th May 2025 at the Cavendish Conference Centre in London. Year on year, the Discussion Forum has become a cornerstone in the veterinary CPD calendar, offering a unique platform to deepen knowledge and understanding of #animalwelfare and drive positive change for managed animals in the UK. The 2025 edition promises to deliver an inspiring programme packed with expert insights and lively debates on: 🐾Translating behaviour: How can vet professionals feel more confident using animal behaviour as a meaningful welfare indicator? 🐰🐶🐱Breeding for better welfare, focussing on extreme conformation in companion animals 👛The economics of animal welfare, exploring the economic factors associated with improving farm animal welfare, with insights into human behaviour. 🐟 Ornamental Fish: Welfare, Sentience, and the Captive Experience, providing insight into the pet fish industry, fish sentience, and the limitations and opportunities for pet fish welfare We will hear the latest updates on AWF funded research and give some delegates the unique opportunity to take to the stage and present a Lightning Talk on an animal welfare topic that they are passionate about. *TICKET SALES OPENING ON 6th JANUARY 2025 *
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Curious about how an AWF Student Grant could shape your career? Then join our online Q&A with former AWF student grant recipient Jillian Gordon on Wednesday, 15th January 2025, from 12:30–1:30pm to find out! Jillian will share her inspiring journey, from conducting a research project on dairy cattle and dental health as a student to becoming a lecturer in Agriculture at SRUC and an entrepreneur. Don't miss this opportunity to: ✔️ Gain insights into Jillian’s experience of receiving a student grant ✔️ Learn how the grant helped shape her career path ✔️ Ask questions about her project, the grant process, or your own research aspirations Details below 👇 📅 Wednesday 15th January 2025 🕑 12:30pm – 1:30pm 🔗 Online. Register here: https://lnkd.in/dk7pzVfQ See you then
AWF Student Grant Scheme: a Q&A with past recipient, Jillian Gordon
events.teams.microsoft.com
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2024 has been a transformative year for AWF. From funding groundbreaking research to hosting thought-provoking discussions, we've worked tirelessly to find practical, evidence-based solutions to key animal welfare issues and challenges, such as improving the recognition and treatment of pain or advancing research into understanding animal behaviour. We’ve championed science and innovation to stimulate evidence-based actions and make a positive difference for animal welfare. Together, let’s revisit the highlights and milestones that have shaped 2024 👇 https://lnkd.in/e3TXFE7c
2024: a year in review - The Animal Welfare Foundation
https://www.animalwelfarefoundation.org.uk
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Harnessing AI to benefit animal welfare 👉 https://lnkd.in/eyxqqnJA This Vet Record article explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for improving animal health and welfare, by supporting decision-making and enhancing efficiency through informed, timely, and effective veterinary interventions.
Harnessing AI to benefit animal welfare
bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
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🐾 As an independent charity, funded solely by charitable donations, we urgently need your support to continue our vital work, supporting vets and allied professionals to champion animal welfare through evidence-based research, education, and debate. On this #GivingTuesday, please donate to keep our essential work alive 👉 https://lnkd.in/ebWGaJCA
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💉 Overtreatment: just because we can does it mean we should? Join us next Thursday for our last online student talk of 2024! 📅 5th December 2024 🕑 12:30pm -1:30pm 📍 Online: https://lnkd.in/eF5GARhj 🗣 Julian Kupfer BVSc LLM MRCVS Advances in veterinary medicine have no doubt led to animals enjoying an increasing length - and quality - of life, and higher expectations of clinical excellence. But whilst treatments are progressing, are they always in the animal’s best interests? This talk will look at overtreatment, current regulations, the role of the owner, and the ultimate welfare of the animal. Register now 👉 https://lnkd.in/eF5GARhj
Overtreatment – Just because we can does it mean we should?
events.teams.microsoft.com
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🐾 Are you an undergraduate student passionate about animal welfare and looking for an opportunity to bring your ideas to life? Look no further than the Animal Welfare Foundation’s Student Grant Scheme! The scheme offers you the chance to carry out a short, fully funded, research project that will deepen your knowledge and understanding of animal welfare and contribute to the evidence-base on key animal welfare issues and challenges. Here are just a few examples of successful student projects from previous years: 🐶 Exploring the use of enrichment feeding for pet dogs 👉 https://lnkd.in/eMqSb37N Madeline explored the practice of using food enrichment methods for pet dogs to understand the benefits, challenges, and owners’ perceptions of alternative feeding techniques such as food puzzles, scatter feeding, and interactive toys. Madeline’s research paper was published in June 2023 (Read here: https://lnkd.in/ez5kHVhS) 🐄 Investigating the relationship between grimace expressions of dairy cattle and post-mortem dental health 👉 https://lnkd.in/dQ2FMf8H Jillian’s research project uncovered alarming findings - most cows examined post-mortem showed signs of dental disease, an area that didn't receive much attention despite negatively impacting animal welfare and farm productivity. She is currently working to develop a practical and affordable tool to assess and treat dental disease in cows. 🐴Exploring the relationship between habitat biodiversity and donkey welfare 👉 https://lnkd.in/eVyJHVNU Skye’s research project offers fresh insights for creating and maintaining biodiverse pastures that meet donkeys’ nutritional and behavioural needs. Your own research could cover areas like animal behaviour, species-specific welfare concerns or even new approaches to treatment and care. Whatever you choose, your findings could influence real-world practice. Participating in this grant scheme isn’t just about contributing to animal welfare—it’s a chance to develop key research skills, strengthen your CV, and work alongside experienced professionals. You’ll gain practical experience, build connections, and potentially open doors to further academic or career opportunities. Still need convincing? Read more stories from previous recipients and see how you could make a difference 👉 https://lnkd.in/e5_rdnBB
Student grants Archives - The Animal Welfare Foundation
animalwelfarefoundation.org.uk
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Earlier this year we were selected by The Benefact Group to be a recipient of a Movement for Good - Larger Grant 🥳 The £12,000 grant will fund our Student Grant Scheme, empowering future animal welfare advocates to tackle key challenges through scientific research. The scheme is open for applications until the end of February 👉https://lnkd.in/e9j9HST7 Thank you Lloyd & Whyte Benefact Group for your generous support 🐾
We’re excited to share how the Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) is making a difference for animal welfare, supported by a £12,000 Movement for Good grant. As healthcare association partners of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), we are proud to celebrate The Animal Welfare Foundation’s efforts in improving animal welfare through research, education, and advocacy. This grant will empower the next generation of animal welfare scientists, funding up to five student-led research projects in 2025. 🐾 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e5vpuwxt Together, we're making a difference 💙 Have you nominated a charity in this year’s Movement for Good awards? 🔗 Nominate here: https://lnkd.in/eM9FugKu #MovementForGood #AnimalWelfareFoundation #Charity #AWF #LloydAndWhyte #BVA