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Tail wagging cats: Veterinary implications of AI-generated video
Jill R D MacKay1, Louise Connelly1
1Veterinary Medical Education Division, Animal Welfare Centre, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, the University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, UK.
The Veterinary Record
|July 16, 2026
Summary
Generative artificial intelligence (genAI) animal videos may mislead viewers by simplifying behavior. Veterinarians must address this new form of misinformation to protect animal welfare.
Area of Science:
- Animal Welfare Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Generative artificial intelligence (genAI) can create realistic animal videos.
- genAI simplifies animal behavior, potentially leading to misinformation.
- This simplification may impact the accurate representation of animal welfare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the accuracy of animal behavior and welfare depicted in genAI videos.
- To identify potential misinformation risks associated with genAI in animal content.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 29 videos from a genAI engine's press release; 12 featured animals.
- Mapped videos to the five domains of animal welfare: nutrition, environment, health, behavior, and mental state.
- Categorized depicted behaviors and welfare implications.
Main Results:
- Negative welfare indicators were infrequent (8-42%).
- Positive indicators for mental state, environment, and behavior were observed in 42% of videos.
- A significant portion of videos were misleading or inaccurately portrayed animal behavior.
Conclusions:
- genAI-generated animal videos present a novel avenue for client confusion regarding animal welfare.
- Veterinary professionals must proactively combat genAI-driven misinformation.
- Further research is needed beyond press releases to understand user experience and broader impacts.
