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

Bibliographic Data

ID4445644
AuthorsCatherine Devitt (0000-0002-7226-3868, Glendalough co. Wicklow Ireland, corresponding author), 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)
Year2015
Volume55
Issue4
Pages400-416
Publication date2015-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSociologia Ruralis (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0038-0199 • E-ISSN: 1467-9523
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/soru.12069
OpenAlexW1608244876
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited32

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