Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

WHAT IS UFAW? The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) is an

independent registered charity that works to develop and promote improvements in the welfare of all animals through scientific and educational activity worldwide.

Is an independent organisation, and throughout its history its work has largely been funded by donations, subscriptions

and legacies. It aims to improve the welfare of animals kept as pets, in

zoos, laboratories, on farms and of wild animals.

HISTORY OF UFAW Originally known as University of London Animal Welfare

Society (ULAWS). Founded in London, England in 1926. Founder was Major Charles Hume, who based his belief that

animal problems must be tackled on a scientific basis, with maximum of sympathy but minimum of sentimentality.

The name was changed to Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) in 1938 as interest increased by people and institutions who got more involved.

Then in 1987, the Council Members became also the Trustees of the Humane Slaughter Association (HSA).

The HSA and UFAW are financially independent but have worked closely together for many years to advance farm animal welfare.

MAIN AIMS

From the first days of UFAW, these have been their stated aims;

To promote interest in Animal Welfare in Great Britain and abroad, by education and other methods. Through, schools, college and organisations.

To obtain and provide accurate information relating in Animal Welfare. Researching themselves on different methods on how animals are looked

after and treated in their home country and abroad, then passing on their knowledge to others through hand books, DVDs and lectures.

To influence those who work with Animals. To encourage the welfare of animals to those who are involved

themselves in animals, be that vets, zoos, wildlife parks, farming, laboratories, pet shops and pet owners.

To lessen the pain and fear inflicted on animals by man. Providing information on how to deal with situations that might lead to

harm to the animal. Also encouragement to intervene when an animal is in the situation of abuse.

To further and promote legislation for the protection of animals. To uphold the protection of animals through state law and enforcing

prosecution to those who don’t abide by them.

OBJECTIVES As UFAW is an internationally respected Animal Welfare

Charity, it’s formal objectives is to publishes animal welfare awareness. This is achieved by handbooks, videos, leaflets,

reports and journals, Animal Care Handbooks, such as; The Sciences of Animal Welfare By David Mellor, Emily

Patterson-Kane and Kevin Stafford.

This book examines past, present and future practices and thinking, including the wide-ranging interests within society that influence

attitudes towards animals and conversely how animal welfare scientists may influence those attitudes.

Environmental Enrichment for Captive Animals By Robert J Young.

This book helps to provide information on environmental enrichment as a simple and effective means of improving animal

welfare in any species – companion, farm, laboratory and zoo.

The UFAW Handbook on the Care and Management of Laboratory and Other Research Animals By Robert Hubrecht and James Kirkwood.

This book focuses on best practice principles throughout, providing comprehensive coverage, as well as addressing the husbandry of

laboratory animals, the content is also of great value to zoos and aquaria.

Management and Welfare of Farm Animals The UFAW Farm Handbook By John Webster. 

This book promotes the humane treatment of livestock within the practical business context of modern farming, from hens to beef

cattle.

THE FIVE FREEDOMS

UFAW believes that where there is any doubt the animal should be given the benefit of the doubt and treated as if it were

sentient - and that, from an ethical point of view, it is essential that we take these “feelings” into account in all our

dealings with them. Freedom from hunger and thirst - by ready access to fresh

water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor. Freedom from pain, injury and disease - by prevention or

rapid diagnosis and treatment. Freedom from discomfort - by providing an appropriate

environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.

Freedom from fear and distress - by providing conditions and care which avoid mental suffering.

Freedom to express normal behaviour - by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind.

RSPCA FREEDOM FOOD

Freedom Food is the RSPCA’s farm assurance and food labeling scheme. It is the only UK farm assurance

scheme to focus solely on improving the welfare of farm animals reared for food.

HISTORY OF FREEDOM FOOD

Set up by the RSPCA in 1994

Base their Freedoms on that of the Five Freedoms

Aims to provided and maintain a happy and healthy life for

farmed animals

Wholly owned subsidiary of RSPCA

Independent from food and farming industries

Volunteer

Greatly supported by Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-

Whittingstall

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, it is hoped the research presented on UFAW and the Five Freedoms, has increased your knowledge and understanding of what this organisation is about..

It is not just about preventing people from harming animals, but gives us as pet owners, along side zoos, labourites and farming, a foundation of respect and care for animals, domestic or wild.

There is no “wrong place” where an animal should be, but in how an animal is kept. With the Five Freedoms, UFAW has giving us the knowledge and common sense of how animals should be treated and cared for, as, to say, the same as we would want to be treated. And when it comes to the end of an animals life, the strictest and safest procedures are been over looked and improved to the animals well being.