Brambell's Five Freedoms

I was so pleased with myself when I sat down on a rainy day last week and plugged out three blogs for the upcoming weeks.

Then, while reading the book A Horse By Nature by Mary Ann Simonds (a book I highly recommend to every horse person), I was reminded of Brambell’s Five Freedoms, The Basic Animal Rights.

What better subject to follow up on from the previous two weeks’ blogs on horse welfare?

I first learned of the Five Freedoms and Roger Brambell while studying for my Vet Tech degree in school. Created in 1965 when Brambell was asked to investigate farm animals for a UK report, the list was formalized in 1979 by the UK Farm Animal Welfare Council. The Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Committee was formed due to the report, which the Farm Animal Welfare Council later replaced.

The Five Freedoms outline five aspects of animal welfare and have been adopted by veterinarians, the World Organization for Animal Health, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Although created for farm animals, this list applies to all animals. The Five Freedoms are:

FREEDOM FROM THIRST, HUNGER AND MALNUTRITION

• Does the animal have access to fresh water?

• Do animals have a nutritious and wholesome diet that is natural to their species?

• Do not over-feed animals, as in the wild, animals only choose to eat what they need and what is good for them.

FREEDOM FROM DISCOMFORT DUE TO THE ENVIRONMENT

• Does the animal have shelter from the weather and extreme temperatures? Is he free to move if the shelter becomes too hot or cold?

• Does the animal have a comfortable resting place of their own where they feel safe and secure?

FREEDOM FROM PAIN, INJURY OR DISEASE

• If the animal is unwell, they must receive immediate care from a veterinarian. Domesticated animals are 100% reliant on us to seek out medical care when they are ill or injured.

• Animals should see a veterinarian on an annual basis. Prevention is critical to keeping animals well.

FREEDOM TO EXPRESS NORMAL BEHAVIOURS FOR THE SPECIES

• In the wild, horses live in herds, and dogs live in packs. Does your animal have adequate opportunity to meet and interact with others of their own species?

• Is your horse allowed to live with their pair bond/live in an established herd? A horse left on his own would be extremely stressed, as horses are prey animals. In the wild, they would always be in a herd.

• Does the animal get enough exercise? An animal that does not get enough exercise can become bored and frustrated. This could lead to them acting out behaviors that you may find undesirable.

• Animals need mental stimulation. This can be provided with a range of stimulating toys that you can use to play with them.

FREEDOM FROM FEAR AND DISTRESS

• What can cause your animal fear and distress? Animals taken away from their mothers too young can become fearful and distressed as they have not had time to learn from their mothers and siblings the skills to be confident young animals in their own right.

• To prevent an adult animal from being unsure of himself and fearful, he must be socialized to as many new experiences as possible during the critical socialization period.

• Protect your animal by avoiding stressful situations.

You may be contributing to unnecessary stress for your horse by overlooking any of these Five Freedoms. Horses who crib, weave, spook, rear, buck, or just plain shut down may be doing so because any or a combination of the Five Freedoms is missing from their life.

The equestrian world is on stage right now after the publicity of Parra and Helgstrand. PETA and other welfare groups are attacking our sport, and rightfully so. Equine welfare should always be stressed, regardless of whether you are a trail rider or a competitor. The good of the horse should always come before ego, greed, or ribbons.

Maybe now is a good time to see how many of the Five Freedoms you provide your horse.