All animals have certain needs that have to be provided for if they are to experience good welfare. These needs are often expressed in terms of the Five Freedoms, adopted by the Farm Animal Welfare Council in the United Kingdom.
1) Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition – by ready access to fresh water
and a diet to maintain full health and vigour
2) Freedom from discomfort – by providing a suitable environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area
3) Freedom from pain, injury and disease – by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment
4) Freedom to express normal behaviour – by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind
5) Freedom from fear and distress – by ensuring conditions which avoid mental
suffering
Some would draw attention to the freedom to choose their environment, whether to go inside or out, whether to eat, drink or rest, whether to scratch their backs or wallow in mud. Animals are all individuals and their needs may not be the
same. This freedom is of course qualified by the need to curtail choices which might be injurious to their health and safety.