Animal welfare – what does the law actually say? Facts rather than myths
Animal welfare is one of the most frequently used terms in discussions about keeping exotic animals today. It appears increasingly often on social media, in publications and in comments, yet it is just as often interpreted subjectively – through the prism of one’s own beliefs, emotions or personal ideas about how animals should be kept.
It is therefore worth asking ourselves a fundamental question:
What exactly is animal welfare in the light of current legislation and scientific knowledge?
Is animal welfare determined by our feelings? Or perhaps by the regulations in force? Or maybe by the results of scientific research?
The answer is simpler than it might seem.
## Animal welfare is a legal and scientific concept
Animal welfare is not a discretionary concept.
It does not mean that an animal should live in conditions that humans consider aesthetically pleasing, comfortable or closest to nature. Nor can it be assessed solely on the basis of a single photograph or video published on the internet.
Animal welfare is a concept that operates within the fields of law, veterinary science and biology.
Therefore, any proper discussion should be based on three pillars:
• applicable statutory law,
