Today, the notion of animal welfare is everywhere: in consumer and citizen expectations but also in the various specifications, regulations, marketing initiatives, farming systems….
But the recognition of the sensitive nature of animals and their ability to feel emotions goes back a long way. Scroll down this page to discover important dates for animal welfare awareness and regulation!
1755
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
The philosophical tradition
During the Enlightenment, the notion of « sentient animal » appeared in the Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men:
« It appears, in fact, that if I am bound to do no injury to my fellow-creatures, this is less because they are rational than because they are sentient beings: and this quality, being common both to men and beasts, ought to entitle the latter at least to the privilege of not being wantonly ill-treated by the former”.
1789
Jeremy Bentham
At the same time, the English philosopher wrote about animals in An introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation:
The question is not, « Can they reason? » nor « Can they speak? » but « Can they suffer? »
1850
Loi Grammont
It is the first animal protection law
It condemns public abuses against domestic animals.
1959
Russell and Burch
The founding texts
In their book on the ethical treatment of laboratory animals, « Principles of Human Experimental Technique, » these two biologists outlined the 3Rs: Replacement of animals in research, Reduction of the number of animals used, and Refinement of experiments whenever possible.
1964
Ruth Harrisson
She published a reference book on farm animals: « Animal Machines, The New Factory Farming Industry » where she denounced living conditions in intensive animal farming.
1965
The Brambell Report
This report defines the basic needs of farm animals to be fulfilled. It is the basis for the 5 freedoms and the modern assessment of animal welfare.
1975
Peter Singer
Peter Singer published « Animal Liberation », which had a founding role in the development of the animal rights movement.
