Report on the Welfare of Laying Hens (1997)

Farm Animal Welfare Council

Abstract

FAWC's Five Freedoms:Freedom from hunger and thirst by ready access to fresh water and diet to maintain full health and vigour;Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment, including shelter and comfortable resting area;Freedom from pain, injury and disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment;Freedom to express normal behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind;Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering. These freedoms define ideal states rather than attempt to define standards for acceptable welfare. They form a logical and comprehensive framework for the analysis of welfare within any system.