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Animal Welfare

CHAIRPERSON - LIZ O'FLYNN

Veterinary Ireland Animal Welfare Committee

Position Statement

The Veterinary Ireland Animal Welfare Committee, as a veterinary based authority for the health and welfare of animals, offers the following integrated principles for developing and evaluating animal welfare policies, resolutions, and actions.

Having regard to the five freedoms:

  • The veterinary profession continually strives to improve animal health and welfare through scientific research, education, collaboration, advocacy, and the development of legislation and regulations. 

  • The responsible use of animals for human purposes, such as companionship, food, fiber, recreation, work, education, exhibition, and research conducted for the benefit of both humans and animals, is consistent with the Veterinarian’s Oath.

  • Decisions regarding animal care, use, and welfare shall be made by balancing scientific knowledge and professional judgment with consideration of ethical and societal values

  • Animals must be provided with water, food, proper handling, health care, and an environment appropriate to their care and use, with thoughtful consideration for their species-typical biology and behavior.

  • Animals should be cared for in ways that minimize fear, pain, stress, and suffering.

  • Procedures related to animal housing, management, care, and use should be continuously evaluated, and when indicated, refined or replaced.

  • Conservation and management of animal populations should be humane, socially responsible, and scientifically prudent

  • Animals shall be treated with respect and dignity throughout their lives and, when necessary, provided a humane death.

Compromised animal welfare causes significant reduction in profits

Mutilations Policy


Pain Alleviation in Animals

Pigs – Welfare in Intensive Conditions Policy

Poultry – Welfare in Intensive Conditions Policy

Research Animals Guidelines

Welfare of Animals at Time of Slaughter Policy


Welfare of Performing Animals Policy 20.11.09

PV and Animal Welfare


Equine Welfare Notice

Key Guidelines Animal Welfare



Animal Health

Animal Remedies

Business Practice & Development

Public Health

Irish College of Veterinary Surgeons





Veterinary Ireland, 13 The Courtyard, Kilcarbery Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 22.
Tel: +353 1 457 7976; Fax: +353 1 457 7998
email: hq@vetireland.ie web: www.veterinaryireland.ie