Science Animal welfare in Japan and the UK: cultural differences

[thomas]

An international survey has found clear differences in how veterinarians and animal welfare scientists in Japan and the United Kingdom view animal welfare, particularly in their assessments of animal behaviour. The findings appear in the journal Animal Welfare. Interest in animal welfare has grown worldwide. Yet the idea of what constitutes a good life for animals varies across societies.

The World Organisation for Animal Health describes animal welfare as the physical and mental state of an animal in relation to the conditions in which it lives and dies. The organisation also characterises the subject as complex and multi-faceted, shaped by scientific, ethical, economic, cultural, social, religious and political factors. That definition leaves room for differences in how welfare is understood in different cultural settings.

These differences were reflected in real-life scenarios. In Japan, cats are commonly kept strictly indoors, whereas in the UK, outdoor access is considered beneficial for their welfare. Veterinary professionals in Japan tend to focus more on the risks of outdoor access, such as injury, getting lost, or conflict with neighbours, rather than the potential benefits of allowing cats to enjoy the outdoors.

This is something I have observed myself by talking to our vet and other pet owners (and by watching vet shows):

Differences were also observed in end-of-life decision-making for dogs. When presented with a case involving a dog suffering from an incurable tumour, most respondents in both countries would opt for euthanasia to alleviate intractable pain or mental stress. However, responses diverged significantly in scenarios concerning the loss of normal behaviour, such as a dog's inability to walk. In these situations, euthanasia was more commonly chosen by respondents from the UK, whereas Japanese respondents largely favoured continuing care.

The researchers note that the human-animal bond often mirrors human-human relationships. Differences between Japan's interdependence-oriented culture and the UK's more individualistic society appeared to shape attitudes toward animals in this study. Further research with a broader perspective could explore how societal values influence the evolving relationship between humans and animals.

Veterinarians in Japan and the UK view animal welfare through different cultural lenses

A new international survey reveals clear differences in how veterinarians and animal welfare scientists in Japan and the UK perceive animal welfare, particularly animal behavior. The findings are published in the journal Animal Welfare.

phys.org

Read the original paper here:

Cross-cultural variation in understanding of animal welfare principles and animal management practices among veterinary and animal welfare professionals in the UK and Japan | Animal Welfare | Cambridge Core

Cross-cultural variation in understanding of animal welfare principles and animal management practices among veterinary and animal welfare professionals in the UK and Japan - Volume 34

www.cambridge.org