Choice, control, and animal welfare: definitions and essential inquiries to advance animal welfare science

Frontiers in Veterinary Science

Veterinary Science

Katherine A. Cronin¹  Maisy D. Englund² 

[1] Animal Welfare Science Program, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL, United States;Animal Welfare Science Program, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL, United States;Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States;

关键词: choice;    control;    animal welfare;    agency;    psychological wellbeing;    affective states;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fvets.2023.1250251

 received in 2023-06-29, accepted in 2023-07-17,  发布年份 2023

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

The ways in which humans can support good welfare for animals in their care is an ongoing subject of debate: some place emphasis on the animals’ physical health; others, on animals’ ability to live “natural lives”; and others on animals’ affective states or psychological wellbeing. Recently, there has been an increase in interest in how an animal’s ability to exercise control over its environment could impact their welfare. In this article, we take the stance that the relevant aspects of the first two concepts of animal welfare (physical health, natural lives) are largely addressed when an animal’s psychological wellbeing is prioritized. Through that lens, we review the current state of the literature regarding the psychology of control, and the intersection between choice, control, and welfare. We clarify terms to support future work, and propose future directions that could lead to a better understanding of the psychological benefits of choice and control and ultimately inform animal care decisions.

【 授权许可】

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Copyright © 2023 Englund and Cronin.