The ‘Five Freedoms’ have formed the basis for animal welfare standards the world over since the 1960s. So what are they? And how can they help us have a positive impact on the animals in our care?
Animal welfare concerns are nothing new. Public outcry over farming practices in the United Kingdom in 1964 led to government action and the humble beginnings of what we now know as the ‘Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare’. The outcome? It was decided that every animal deserved the freedom to stand up, lie down, turn around, groom themselves, and stretch their limbs. Humble beginnings indeed, but a step in the right direction.
By the end of 1979, these freedoms had been further developed to encompass both the physical and mental health and wellbeing of animals. And the ‘Five Freedoms’ that we know today were born.
- Freedom from Hunger and Thirst – through access to fresh water, and adequate nutrition.
- Freedom from Discomfort – by providing shelter, and a comfortable place to rest.
- Freedom from Pain, Injury and Disease – through preventative care and the provision of medical treatment when needed.
- Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour – by providing enough space to move, and company for social animals.
- Freedom from Fear and Distress – to avoid suffering.
These freedoms were developed to ensure animals in our care have their basic needs met, and to ensure adequate welfare standards are maintained. However, in modern day Australia, pet owners, members of the veterinary industry, and the wider community have moved beyond basic needs and adequate standards. Rather than simply aiming to prevent negative experiences, we strive for the animals in our care to live healthy and happy lives. We want our pets to have a great quality of life.
In acknowledging that physical aspects (such as nutrition, environment, and health) have an effect on the mental health of every animal, we can continue to work towards bettering our animal welfare standards for generations to come.
In the wise words of the English philosopher Jeremy Bentham – ‘the question is not, can they reason? Nor, can they talk? But, can they suffer?’
By Ellen McBryde, Dec 2025