Animals - Welfare experts

Introduction

​Experts in the field of animal welfare undertake a proactive duty in preventing cruelty to animals. Animal welfare particularly relates to the state of an animal, a good state of welfare requires an animal be healthy, comfortable, well-nourished, safe, able to express innate behavior, and under no state of pain, fear or distress. Animal welfare can be improved and maintained by way of animal care, animal husbandry, and humane treatment. Experts in this field have both the scientific and practical knowledge to assist in the identification and provision of good animal welfare.

Professionals in the field of animal welfare would be of great help to the legal process. On a practical level, the day-to-day activities often extend to:

• identifying animals at risk,
• responding to and investigating complaints related to animal cruelty,
• assisting local councils and animal charities in animal welfare operations,
• raising awareness within the community about animal welfare practices by way of presentations done in schools and organisations.

Animal welfare professionals also operate in a scientific capacity, such as providing research, assessment, and analysis of how certain conditions can contribute to animal survival or welfare. For example, throughout the years the standard with which professionals qualify as a good state of animal welfare has expanded into a multiplicity of factors. This knowledge often extends itself into regulatory policy which sets a standard of treatment of animals in commercial and private activities.

Animal welfare professionals can be of great assistance to the legal process. Their specialised knowledge can be used to identify whether certain living conditions and treatments of animal welfare constitutes neglect or cruelty. This could prove particularly useful in identification of potential malpractice, specifically in cases related to animal cruelty.

Experts in this area come from many professional backgrounds. They will often have experience in veterinary sciences, science, animal care, and animal research. The specific specialisation and background required from your animal welfare expert will be determined by the matter which requires examination.

At the bottom of this profile are brief details of a number of the experts that Expert Experts represents. Call our office to discuss your requirements and to obtain a recommendation that suits your needs and budget.

Expertise in Action

Experts in the field of animal welfare would be able to assess the current state of an animal’s environment to assess whether the animal is experiencing a good state of welfare. This may include asking whether there was proper provision of:

• housing,
• management,
• nutrition,
• disease prevention and treatment,
• responsible care,
• humane handling,
• and, when necessary, humane euthanasia

The expert would then be able to comment upon whether or not a form of neglect, malpractice, or failure arose on the part of one party in meeting a requisite standard of care of good animal welfare. These experts could also comment on policies of animal welfare.

Sample Reports

For some fields of expertise we have some sample sections of de-identified reports. Please contact our office if you are interested in a sample.

Cost

The overall cost of expert opinion depends on the services required. Some of the key factors that affect the cost of advice include:

• The need for a view or inspection of a location
• The quantity of documentary material to be reviewed
• Whether there are reports of other experts to be reviewed and commented on in detail
• Whether there is a need for conferences with the expert either in person or by telephone/Skype

Relevant Articles Victorian animal cruelty accused Hugh Radford faces 91 charges in Latrobe Valley court

This article demonstrates how animal cruelty is punishable under the law. This article details the conviction of Hugh Radford for the killing of protected animals and how the court looks unfavorably upon those who deprive animals of a good state of welfare.

Rescue dogs shot dead by NSW council due to COVID-19 restrictions

This article demonstrates the complex intersection between animal welfare and human welfare, particularly in how interpretation of legislation and policy may affect animal welfare.

Relevant Cases Will v Brighton [2020] NSWCA 355 (23 December 2020)

This matter relates to the RSPCA's charge of an individual for two counts of serious animal cruelty which resulted in the killing of a dog.

R v French [2020] NSWDC 767 (17 December 2020)

This matter relates to an instance of animal cruelty to a cat.

Lopes v Cook [2020] NSWSC 1776 (9 December 2020)

This case relates to the welfare of chickens, particularly in how harm was involved in the housing and treatment of chickens.

Related Blog Articles