WSPA believes that: WSPA insists that all animals owned by or
under the care of humans should be kept in conditions
appropriate to the needs of the species. Where the physiological
and behavioural needs of a species cannot be met, the animals
should not be captive. The key difference between animal
conservation and animal welfare is that conservation focuses on
species, populations and habitats, whereas welfare focuses on
the individual animal. Animal welfare is defined by both the
physical and psychological state of an animal and the conditions
in which it lives. The welfare of an animal can be described as
good if the individual is fit, healthy and free from suffering.
WSPA assesses the welfare of animals using the Five Freedoms
(Farm Animal Welfare Council, 2003): These represent a useful
‘checklist’ to quickly identify situations which compromise good
animal welfare – that is, any situation that causes fear, pain,
discomfort, injury, disease or behavioural distress. Methods of
killing animals are critical