Handbook of Animal Welfare

This handbook presents a much-needed and comprehensive exploration of the rapidly growing fields of animal welfare and law. 

In  recent years there has been increasing attention paid to our complex,  multifaceted relationships with other animals, and in particular, the  depth and breadth of various societal uses of animals. This has led to a  reconsideration of their moral and social status, which has sometimes  challenged the interests of those who use animals. In such a contested  domain, sound evidence and reasoning become particularly important.  Through firm commitment to such principles, this book explores the  biological foundations for the moral consideration of animals and for  evolving conceptualisations of animal welfare. It reviews in detail the  welfare concerns associated with numerous forms of animal use. The  inclusion of key recent developments such as climate change, pandemics,  and antimicrobial resistance, ensures this text is among the most  current in its field. The ethical implications of the various uses of  animals by society are considered, and chapters provide important  recommendations for reforms of practice, law, or policy. The status of  animal law internationally, and in major world regions, is reviewed.  Finally, the book considers human behavioural change and strategies for  improving stakeholder communication and education.

The  handbook is essential reading for students and scholars of animal  welfare, animal law and animal ethics everywhere, and for policy-makers  and other professionals working in the animal welfare sector.