An Investigation into the Human Element of On-farm Animal Welfare Incidents in Ireland

Datos Bibliográficos

ID4445644
AutoresCatherine Devitt (0000-0002-7226-3868, Glendalough co. Wicklow Ireland, autor de correspondencia), P Kelly (0000-0002-6467-2338, Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine), Martin Blake (Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine Agriculture House Kildare Street Dublin 2 Ireland), Alison Hanlon (0000-0002-3778-1790, School for Veterinary Medicine University College Dublin Dublin 4 Ireland), Simon J More (0000-0002-4270-0385, Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis UCD Veterinary Medicine University College Dublin Dublin 4 Ireland)
Año2015
Volumen55
Número4
Páginas400-416
Fecha de publicación2015-10-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaSociologia Ruralis (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0038-0199 • E-ISSN: 1467-9523
EditorialWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/soru.12069
OpenAlexW1608244876
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas2
Referencias citadas32

A previous study on key farm performance indicators for animal welfare incidents in Ireland provided anecdotal evidence to suggest that farm animal welfare standards are often underpinned by social and human health-related factors among farmers. The present study took an exploratory approach to identify these factors and how they influence farm animal neglect. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with farmers. Identified factors included farming difficulties associated with age and help on the farm (n = 5), mental health-related problems (n = 4), and differing perceptions of animal welfare (n = 4). Stress was a prevalent theme. Evidence suggests that these negative human factors impact on farmers' ability to carry out farm management activities. Poor uptake of support services was noted and barriers included resistance, self-reliance and an inability to talk openly about mental health problems. Initiatives such as the early warning system, aimed at reducing the incidence of farm animal neglect in Ireland, should be understood as often involving a human element. In particular, further research is required into how mental health problems may lead to altered or reduced regard for animal welfare

Agriculture · Animal welfare · Biology · Business · Economics · Element (criminal law) · Environmental health · Exploratory research · Farm workers · Geography · Mental health · Neglect · Political science · Psychiatry · Public economics · Social science · Sociology · Welfare · Agriculture and Farm Safety · Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies · Human-Animal Interaction Studies · Medicine · Psychology