Human-animal interactions
The way in which owners or stockpeople treat animals, whether they are kept for production or companionship, is vital for animal welfare. The Animal Welfare and Technology professorship of HAS green academy is conducting research into this. This concerns both livestock animals and pets.
For example, we have collaborated with Aeres in a number of large projects aimed at measuring the welfare of coaching and therapy horses and the welfare of dogs in AAI. In 2025 we will be starting a joint project to improve the welfare of dogs, cats, rodents and rabbits through the behaviour of the owners (project Happy Pets).
Animal behaviour is usually measured using cameras and image analysis, but other sensors such as activity meters and GPS trackers are also used. In livestock farming, farmers also play a key role in animal welfare, not only by providing feed, housing and care, but also through the way they handle the animals.
A specific focus point in this respect is on-farm emergency killing of animals. Together with Aeres and VHL and with various organisations and companies in the pig sector, we are working on this sensitive issue in pig farming.