Five freedoms

  • The Five Freedoms animal welfare model focus on minimizing negative states (feelings) that an animal may experience.
  • The concept of the “Five Freedoms” originated from the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) in the United Kingdom in the 1960s.

The Five Freedoms are:

  1. Freedom from hunger or thirst by providing constant access to fresh water and a diet which maintains full health and vigour
  2. Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and comfortable resting areas.
  3. Freedom from pain, injury or disease by protection against disease and injury. Also rapid diagnosis and treatment should they occur.
  4. Freedom to express (most) normal behavior by providing sufficient space, proper facilities (e.g. enclosure furniture) and social opportunities (if a social species).
  5. Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering