Do The Five Freedoms Cover It All?
Recently I read an on-line article “The Five Freedoms and Equine Welfare” by Dale Rudin https://www.horseillustrated.com/five-freedoms-and-equine-welfare
Rudin begins “Most of us have pondered whether our horse has a life he enjoys. Is there any way to find out?” and says “yes.”
He then describes the British Farm Animal Council standard for the humane treatment of equines as:
- Freedom from hunger and thirst, by ready access to water and a diet to maintain health and vigor.
- Freedom from discomfort, by providing an appropriate environment.
- Freedom from pain, injury, and disease, by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
- Freedom to express normal behavior, by providing sufficient space, proper facilities, and appropriate company of the animal’s own kind.
- Freedom from fear and distress, by ensuring conditions and treatment that avoid mental suffering.
Rudin concludes “When you follow The Five Freedoms, you can rest easy knowing your horse is living the great life he deserves.”
I disagree – I think he’s missing an important factor: feedback from your horse. And I don’t mean just her behavior. Yes, that can indicate problems but I want to know if she’s content, satisfied and even happy. My horse deserves to be truly happy, not just well cared for. I owe her that. I’m grateful that, through an animal communicator, she was able to confirm how happy she is. Click ‘The Five Freedoms’ to comment