The One Welfare concept of animal care

Every two months or so, an animal abuse story appears in the news that makes us shudder and reel back in disgust, if we can even stomach listening to the story.

We often then wonder how it is that a person could be so cruel or so devoid of emotion, ethics and morals to even commit such a terrible crime?

I am one of those people who thinks about what motivates people to commit not just crimes against people but against animals, too.

In 2015, I was introduced to the concept of One Welfare and, although I will only be touching upon it as a topic, I find it intriguing, relevant, and timely.

One Welfare is a platform promoted in the veterinary community (among others) that emphasizes the interconnectedness between humans, animals, and their environments.
It defines little-known roles our veterinarians often have: to recognize animal abuse, to investigate animal abuse, and when necessary, to help prosecute animal abusers.

An aspect of One Welfare is that it delves into the link between animal abuse and family abuse. Many social service organizations are interested in studies that link people who have committed crimes against animals with future criminal behaviour towards people.

Animal hoarding, too, is a type of abuse. Hoarding leads to neglect, which means the animals, are deprived of care, space, food, water, and socialization. Although hoarding is not officially recognized as a distinct mental disorder, it is believed to be related to other disorders.
Not only does hoarding negatively affect animal welfare but also the welfare of the hoarder. Hoarders often live in squalor and are at a higher risk of exposure to disease communicable from animals to humans. Additionally, hoarders are often vulnerable, are low-income, have poor physical health, and are socially isolated.

The effects of hoarding do not end there. Agencies and organizations need to deal with the consequences of hoarding. Those who enter buildings where animals are hoarded are at risk of attack or disease. They might suffer from psycho-social effects associated with the trauma of frequent or abnormal exposure to such situations.

As well, the cost of dealing with neglect has its negative outcomes — housing and fostering the animals, coupled with the care and training they will need, all adds up.

Kari Hasselriis is an equine enthusiast who lives in St. Francois Xavier. Email her at  kari@eighthorses.ca