Cognitive enrichment, a special form of environmental enrichment, addresses the cognitive abilities of animals in captivity. Through cognitive interaction with the environment, the animals regain a certain control over their environment, and essential resources, such as food or water, act as a reward for successful coping. It is assumed that […]
Bringing compassion to the ethical dilemma in killing kangaroos for conservation – comment on “Conservation Through Sustainable Use” by Rob Irvine
Ethical debate on the killing of kangaroos has polarised conservation and animal welfare science, yet at the heart of these scientific disciplines is the unifying aim of reducing harm to non-human animals. This aim provides the foundation for common ground, culminating in the development of compassionate conservation principles that seek […]
Veterinarians’ attitude to infection control ‘complacent’
Infection control practices of Australian veterinarians are dangerously inadequate, according to a University of Sydney study published this month. The study, published in Preventative Veterinary Medicine, found that 44.9 per cent of veterinarians had contracted a zoonotic disease through their work. Based on a survey of veterinarians attending the 2011 […]
Grandin’s advice for Australian live export industry
Livestock slaughter expert Temple Grandin has recommended abattoirs install video surveillance to reduce cruelty. Grandin was in Cairns recently to address the AVA conference, and she told Bush Telegraph that Australia should have more power to monitor slaughter facilities abroad when engaged in live exports. She said companies such as […]