I-16: The Evolution of Morality and Implications for Animal Usage

The propensity to show moral behaviour has evolved in all animals living in complex societies as it promotes social stability. All major religions provide a structure for a moral code. The code is valuable in the societies where the religions have influence. The most important aspects of morality are the same in all countries. Because of their moral code, people consider that they have obligations to the animals that they use. The welfare of animals is an aspect of our decisions about whether or not animal usage systems are sustainable. A system that results in poor welfare in animals is unsustainable because it is unacceptable to many people. The ethics of production, including impact on the welfare of the animals, is now an aspect of the quality of animal products. Since genetic selection and management for high productivity may lead to more disease and other aspects of poor welfare, some major changes in animal production systems are demanded by consumers. Similarly, the welfare of laboratory animals is now a major factor affecting decisions about whether or not animal housing conditions should be used or an experimental procedure should be carried out. Most members of the public say that to cause very poor welfare in animals is never acceptable. Recent welfare legislation in Europe is reviewed. The Abstracts of the 12th Royan International Congress on Reproductive Biomedicine International Journal of Fertility & Sterility (IJFS), Vol 5, Suppl 1, Summer 2011 12 impact of the O.I.E. on world standards is becoming more significant. At present, the greatest effects on farm animal welfare are the standards set by bulk purchasers of animal products, principally supermarkets and fast food chains. The actions of farmers and those who take care of laboratory animals each day also have major effects on animal welfare. However, where animals are used, every researcher and institute head has a responsibility to ensure good welfare in those animals.