Welfare appraisals

welfare appraisals

formal assessments or checks of an animal’s health, welfare and condition

what does type of appraisal depend on?

setting and purpose of appraisal

how often are most appraisals carried out?

annually

example of an appraisal that is only carried out when concerns are raised

RSPCA inspections

types of appraisals

formal and informalform

who carries out formal appraisals?

a governing body or animal welfare inspector

formal appraisal

follows a set procedure and documents findings using appropriate paperwork

e.g. a farm inspector checking sheep or goats will complete detailed welfare checks of 60 animals, or all animals if fewer than 60

who carries out informal assessments?

shop staff

example of an establishment in which an informal assessment would occur

pet shop

informal assessment

checks welfare of animals

types of appraisal systems

traffic light system, food certification and assurance schemes, measures of input and output

traffic light system

uses traffic light colours to grade any welfare concerns

e.g.

red - warning

amber - sufficient

green - no issues

food certification and assurance schemes

farmers can volunteer to take part in schemes e.g. British Lion eggs and Red Tractor, which use animal needs indexes as a quantitative measure of welfare

measures of input and output

input measures - assess resources put into farming e.g. feed, housing, substrates, fuel

output measures - assess animals themselves and their products e.g. meat, eggs, wool

examples of input measures

feed, housing, substrates, fuel

examples of output measures

wool, eggs, meat

what are appraisal forms based on?

5 animal needs being met