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Cognition and animal welfare.
1Centre for Neuroscience and Animal Behaviour, School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale NSW 2351, Australia.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Cognitive Science
|August 15, 2015
Summary
Animal cognition is crucial for welfare. Understanding cognitive processes, emotions, and biases in animals, like limb preference, can help prevent stress and suffering in captivity, informing better legislation.
Area of Science:
- Animal Behavior
- Cognitive Ethology
- Animal Welfare Science
Background:
- Animals may experience stress in captivity if unable to perform species-typical behaviors.
- The role of complex cognition versus instinct in these behaviors is debated.
- Animal emotions and their range are central to understanding their subjective experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the cognitive underpinnings of animal behavior and welfare.
- To discuss the capacity for emotions and cognitive biases in animals.
- To investigate potential cognitive markers for suffering, such as limb preference.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual review of animal cognition and emotion.
- Discussion of cognitive capacities contributing to suffering (empathy, memory, anticipation).
- Exploration of the link between hemispheric dominance, cognitive bias, and limb preference.
Main Results:
- Cognitive processes, including empathy and anticipation, can contribute to animal suffering.
- Cognitive bias may be indicated by limb preference, potentially linked to hemispheric dominance.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder in animals is suggested to involve right hemisphere dominance.
Conclusions:
- Further research into animal cognition is essential for improving animal welfare.
- Understanding cognitive biases and emotional capacities can inform legislative changes.
- Protecting animals from suffering requires a deeper appreciation of their cognitive lives.
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