Introduction: The contribution of animals to human welfare

Animals contribute to the lives of humans in developed and developing countries in numerous ways. Here, the focus is on how grazing animals can contribute to human lives and on the many ways in which dogs are of benefit to humans. Grazing is a sustainable practice which allows uncultivable land to be used for the production of food, prevents the degradation of land, and does not lead to the depletion of groundwater, thus contributing to food security. Dogs provide help during rescues, companionship, and support for livelihoods. It is vital to ensure the welfare of the farm animals that provide us with so much, and the author discusses outcome-based welfare indicators, such as lameness, sickness and lesions, that can be used in both developed and developing countries to prevent suffering. In recent times, animal welfare science has begun to look at the emotional state of animals, but it is important to recognise that in developing countries, where finding enough food is the biggest concern, the animal's positive emotions cannot be a top priority. The paper ends by emphasising the importance of local solutions for improving the health and welfare of both animals and humans. There is a need for successful local programmes to be rolled out on a wider basis. To encourage the spread of effective programmes, people need to write about them.