A consensus on the definition of positive animal welfare - presented by Prof. Jean-Loup Rault

A consensus on the definition of positive animal welfare

Prof. Jean-Loup Rault

Prof. Jean-Loup Rault
Biology Letters

Associated Biology Letters article

J. Rault et al. (2025) A consensus on the definition of positive animal welfare. Biology Letters
Article of record
A consensus on the definition of positive animal welfare
Prof. Jean-Loup Rault
Jean-Loup Rault
University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna

The concept of animal welfare is evolving due to progress in our scientific understanding of animal biology and changing societal expectations. Animal welfare science has been primarily concerned with minimising suffering, but there is growing interest in also promoting positive experiences, grouped under the term Positive Animal Welfare (PAW). However, there are discrepancies in the use of the term PAW. An interdisciplinary group arrived at a consensus that “PAW can be defined as the animal flourishing through the experience of predominantly positive mental states and the development of competence and resilience. Positive animal welfare goes beyond ensuring good physical health and the prevention and alleviation of suffering. It encompasses animals experiencing positive mental states resulting from rewarding experiences, including having choices and opportunities to actively pursue goals and achieve desired outcomes”. The definition also considers individual and species-specific differences. It provides a framework for researchers to investigate PAW and thereby generate innovative, informative, and reproducible science. Studies of PAW can contribute to a richer picture of an animal’s life and may elucidate the biological foundations of happiness. The definition creates opportunities to inspire scientific progress in animal biology, and to align animal care practices, legislation and markets with societal expectations.

References
  • 1.
    J. Rault et al. (2025) A consensus on the definition of positive animal welfare. Biology Letters
  • 2.
    A. Boissy et al. (2007) Assessment of positive emotions in animals to improve their welfare. Physiology & Behavior
  • 3.
    A. B. Lawrence et al. (2019) What Is so Positive about Positive Animal Welfare?—A Critical Review of the Literature. Animals
  • 4.
    J. Rault et al. (2020) Positive Welfare and the Like: Distinct Views and a Proposed Framework. Frontiers in Veterinary Science
  • 5.
    D. J. Mellor (2014) Positive animal welfare states and encouraging environment-focused and animal-to-animal interactive behaviours. New Zealand Veterinary Journal
Grants
    European Cooperation in Science and TechnologyCA21124
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Ecology and evolution seminars
Royal Society Publishing
Cite as
J. Rault (2025, January 23), A consensus on the definition of positive animal welfare
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Video length 15:23
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Disclaimer The views expressed in this seminar are those of the speaker and not necessarily those of the journal