Companion, Zoo and Wild Animal Welfare (P02854)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : VET-P-P02854

Companion animal part:
The following topics will be covered in this module: effects of environmental experience and the human-animal bond on behaviour and welfare, effects of selective breeding on physiology and behaviour, clinical causes of behaviour problems, methods involved in behaviour therapy, training and welfare of human assistance animals, national and global welfare issues. Companion animals include dogs, cats, horses, small mammals and exotic species commonly kept as pets.
Zoo and wildlife part:
This module provides an overview of the interacting ethical, welfare and conservation issues of topical interest in the management of wildlife. A key theme relates to the dilemmas that can arise from conflicting concerns for individual animal welfare and the conservation of species, populations or communities. The lecture material addresses topics from a wide range of disciplines (e.g. conservation biology, population biology, veterinary medicine, economics) which aims to provide the student with a context for evaluating welfare and conservation priorities.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : The topics covered in the taught section of this module will need to be integrated with those covered in other modules. Knowledge of species specific behaviours in dogs, cats, horses, rabbits and parrots will be an asset. Relevant basic facts are covered in the CD Rom 'Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare'. This CD can be regarded as an introduction to this course and ideally should be viewed prior to the start of this module.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Animal Welfare and Animal Behaviour, (Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Schedule S)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Block 3 only

? Contact Teaching Time : 14 hour(s) per week for 5 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	09:00	17:00	Med+Vet
Lecture	Friday	09:00	17:00	Med+Vet

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Companion animal part:
- Understand the influence of species-specific behaviours, domestication, learning and domestic environment in shaping behaviour of companion animals.
- Understand differences between abnormal and normal but unwanted behaviours in domestic pets and the effect of this distinction.
- Understand the concepts of resource value and motivation as they apply specifically to companion animals with a domestic household.
- Understand physical and psychological welfare concerns.
- Understand scientific reasoning underlying methods used to alleviate problem behaviours.
Zoo and wildlife part:
1. To develop an awareness of the interacting ethical, welfare, conservation and human-rights issues involved in the management of wildlife.
2. To gain an appreciation of the dilemmas that arise from conflicting concerns for individual wild animal welfare, the conservation of species, populations or ecosystems, and the protection of human health, welfare and livelihoods.
3. To provide the background information and context to allow animal welfare scientists to interact effectively with conservationists.
4. To raise awareness about the welfare and conservation implications of different types of wildlife interventions.