7. International Approaches
The AAWS highlights the need for domestic and international benchmarking of animal welfare outcomes, as currently being discussed by the World Organization for Animal Health.
Australia has been actively engaged in the establishment of national benchmarks for animal welfare and will continue to promote these Australian standards in relevant international forums and organisations.
Australia conforms with all international conventions on endangered species, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora which covers trade. Australia has also been working with other international bodies such as the World Society for the Protection of Animals on issues such as the development of a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare.
Scientifically based animal welfare standards are currently being developed by the OIE in line with the following agreed OIE Guiding Principles for animal welfare, that:
- there is a critical relationship between animal health and animal welfare
- the internationally recognised ‘five freedoms’ (freedom from hunger, thirst and malnutrition; freedom from fear and distress, freedom from physical and thermal discomfort, freedom from pain, injury and disease, and freedom to express normal patterns of behaviour) provide valuable guidance in animal welfare
- the internationally recognised ‘three Rs’ (reduction in numbers of animals, refinement of experimental methods and replacement of animals with non-animal techniques) provide valuable guidance for the use of animals in science
- the scientific assessment of animal welfare involves diverse elements which need to be considered together, and that selecting and weighing these elements often involves value-based assumptions which should be made as explicit as possible
- the use of animals in agriculture and science, and for companionship, recreation and entertainment, makes a major contribution to the wellbeing of people
- the use of animals carries with it a duty to ensure the welfare of such animals to the greatest extent practicable
- improvements in farm animal welfare can often improve productivity and hence lead to economic benefits
- equivalent outcomes (performance criteria), rather than identical systems (design criteria), be the basis for comparison of animal welfare standards and guidelines.
Australia will take these into account in developing its vision, international policies and input to relevant international goals for animal welfare.