Documentaries have exposed the psychological trauma suffered by large, highly intelligent marine mammals like orcas kept in concrete tanks.
Legally, animals exist in a gray area. In most Western legal systems, animals are classified as —chattel. You can own a dog like you own a table. Animal cruelty laws are exceptions to this property status, but they do not grant the animal standing to sue. You can own a dog like you own a table
The future of animal protection lies at the intersection of consumer choices, grassroots activism, and technological innovation. Animal welfare operates on the premise that humans
Animal welfare operates on the premise that humans can utilize animals for food, research, companionship, and labor, provided that the animals are treated humanely. The core objective is to minimize suffering and maximize physical and psychological well-being. Reduction (using fewer animals)
The trajectory of the last 50 years is clear. The animal welfare position of 1970 (prevent overt beating and starvation) is now the animal rights position of 2020 (freedom to express normal behavior). And the animal welfare position of 2020 (enriched cages, humane slaughter) is likely to be seen as barbaric by 2050.
Focuses on the "3 Rs"— Replacement (using non-animal models like computer simulations), Reduction (using fewer animals), and Refinement (minimizing pain through anesthesia).