The five freedoms
The Five Freedoms as defined by the Farm Animal Welfare Council are the key to good stockmanship and an acceptable and workable policy for the welfare of Dairy cattle.
- Freedom from hunger and thirst by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour
- Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and comfortable resting area
- Freedom form pain, injury or disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment
- Freedom to express normal behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind
- Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering
Consumers want to feel confident that the food they buy comes from animals that have been well cared for.
