AWC - Five Freedoms

The Animal Welfare Committee AWC - United Kingdom

The Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) was previously known as The Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) and was renamed in 2019.

It is an independent advisory body established by the Government in the UK in 1979. Their terms of reference are to keep under review the welfare of farm animals on agricultural land, at market, in transit and at the place of slaughter; and to advise the Government of any legislative or other changes that may be necessary.

The Committee can:

investigate any topic falling within its remit
communicate freely with outside bodies, the European Commission and the public
publish its advice independently

The Five Freedoms:

The welfare of an animal includes its physical and mental state and we consider that good animal welfare implies both fitness and a sense of well-being. Any animal kept by man, must at least, be protected from unnecessary suffering. We believe that an animal's welfare, whether on farm, in transit, at market or at a place of slaughter should be considered in terms of 'five freedoms'. These freedoms define ideal states rather than standards for acceptable welfare. They form a logical and comprehensive framework for analysis of welfare within any system together with the steps and compromises necessary to safeguard and improve welfare within the proper constraints of an effective livestock industry.

1 - Freedom from Hunger and Thirst

- by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.

2 - Freedom from Discomfort

- by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.

3 - Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease

- by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.

4 - Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour

- by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind.

5 - Freedom from Fear and Distress

- by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.