1 minSocial Issue
Social Issue

Animal Welfare

What is Animal Welfare?

Animal Welfare refers to the physical and psychological well-being of animals. It encompasses the ethical treatment of animals, ensuring they have access to basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and freedom from pain and suffering.

Historical Background

The concept of animal welfare has gained increasing attention globally. In India, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 was a significant milestone. The establishment of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) further strengthened animal welfare efforts.

Key Points

8 points
  • 1.

    Ensuring animals have access to basic needs: food, water, shelter, and veterinary care.

  • 2.

    Protecting animals from unnecessary pain and suffering.

  • 3.

    Promoting responsible pet ownership and animal management practices.

  • 4.

    Regulating animal experimentation and ensuring ethical research practices.

  • 5.

    Combating illegal wildlife trade and protecting endangered species.

  • 6.

    Addressing issues related to animal agriculture and promoting humane farming practices.

  • 7.

    Raising awareness about animal rights and promoting compassion towards animals.

  • 8.

    Enforcing laws and regulations related to animal welfare.

Visual Insights

Animal Welfare: Key Aspects

Overview of the core principles and components of animal welfare.

Animal Welfare

  • Five Freedoms
  • Legal Framework
  • Ethical Considerations
  • Practical Applications

Recent Developments

5 developments

Increased focus on stray animal management and sterilization programs.

Strengthening of laws and regulations related to animal cruelty.

Promoting veganism and vegetarianism as ethical lifestyle choices.

Use of technology for animal tracking and monitoring.

Increased public awareness and activism related to animal rights.

This Concept in News

2 topics

Evidence-Based Policies Needed for Street Dog Management in India

23 Feb 2026

The news about street dog management underscores the practical challenges of implementing animal welfare principles in complex real-world situations. It demonstrates how public panic and emotional responses can undermine rational policymaking, leading to measures that are detrimental to animal welfare. The article challenges the assumption that simply removing street dogs from the streets is an effective solution, highlighting the need for more humane and sustainable approaches, such as vaccination and sterilization programs. This news reveals the importance of scientific research and data collection in informing animal welfare policies and ensuring that they are evidence-based. Understanding animal welfare is crucial for analyzing the ethical and practical implications of different street dog management strategies and for advocating for policies that promote both public safety and animal well-being. The news emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that considers the needs of both humans and animals.

Stray Dog Management: ABC Rules Not a Panacea, Experts Say

7 Feb 2026

This news highlights that animal welfare is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. (1) The news demonstrates that simply sterilizing and vaccinating stray dogs is not enough to solve the problem of stray dog populations and related issues like dog bites and public health concerns. (2) The news challenges the notion that ABC programs are a panacea for stray dog management, suggesting that other factors, such as responsible pet ownership and waste management, are equally important. (3) The news reveals that effective animal welfare requires community participation and collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and the public. (4) The implications of this news are that animal welfare policies need to be more comprehensive and address the root causes of stray animal populations. (5) Understanding the concept of animal welfare is crucial for properly analyzing and answering questions about this news because it provides a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of different approaches to stray dog management and for considering the ethical dimensions of our relationship with animals.

Source Topic

Evidence-Based Policies Needed for Street Dog Management in India

Polity & Governance

UPSC Relevance

Relevant for UPSC GS Paper 3 (Environment, Conservation) and GS Paper 4 (Ethics). Questions related to animal welfare laws, ethical treatment of animals, and conservation efforts are important for both Prelims and Mains.

Animal Welfare: Key Aspects

Overview of the core principles and components of animal welfare.

Animal Welfare

Freedom from Hunger & Thirst

Freedom from Pain, Injury, Disease

AWBI

Constitutional Provisions

Animal Rights vs. Animal Welfare

Humane Treatment

ABC Programs

Humane Slaughter

This Concept in News

2 news topics

2

Evidence-Based Policies Needed for Street Dog Management in India

23 February 2026

The news about street dog management underscores the practical challenges of implementing animal welfare principles in complex real-world situations. It demonstrates how public panic and emotional responses can undermine rational policymaking, leading to measures that are detrimental to animal welfare. The article challenges the assumption that simply removing street dogs from the streets is an effective solution, highlighting the need for more humane and sustainable approaches, such as vaccination and sterilization programs. This news reveals the importance of scientific research and data collection in informing animal welfare policies and ensuring that they are evidence-based. Understanding animal welfare is crucial for analyzing the ethical and practical implications of different street dog management strategies and for advocating for policies that promote both public safety and animal well-being. The news emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that considers the needs of both humans and animals.

Stray Dog Management: ABC Rules Not a Panacea, Experts Say

7 February 2026

This news highlights that animal welfare is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. (1) The news demonstrates that simply sterilizing and vaccinating stray dogs is not enough to solve the problem of stray dog populations and related issues like dog bites and public health concerns. (2) The news challenges the notion that ABC programs are a panacea for stray dog management, suggesting that other factors, such as responsible pet ownership and waste management, are equally important. (3) The news reveals that effective animal welfare requires community participation and collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and the public. (4) The implications of this news are that animal welfare policies need to be more comprehensive and address the root causes of stray animal populations. (5) Understanding the concept of animal welfare is crucial for properly analyzing and answering questions about this news because it provides a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of different approaches to stray dog management and for considering the ethical dimensions of our relationship with animals.