E.
Noordhuizen-Stassen, Department of Animals & Society, Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands E.
Noordhuizen-Stassen, Department of Animals & Society, Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
History reveals that people's consideration of morals has expanded over time.
From scientific research and knowledge of animal evolution it became clear that
animals are sentient beings that can suffer. Ethics developed in the West-European
societies take for granted that animals should be treated with respect and that
moral consideration should be shown to those creatures living within the sphere
of human influence. Animal ethical principles form the basis for the handling
of kept animals and focuses on individual animals.
Eco-ethical principles have developed from the starting point of respect for
the ecosystem. Recently, species like Heck cattle, Konik horses and red deer
have been introduced in different nature projects in the Netherlands in order
to restore their ecological role within the ranges where they once lived.
Large herbivore populations flourish in their new environments. Their numbers
increase rapidly and their health status is good, most time of the year. However,
they are confronted with specific problems. These herbivores are hampered in
their need to migrate. Herbivores greatest natural enemies, the carnivores,
are absent. Furthermore, the average man on the street intuitively does not
like to see or accept animals, either wild, kept or experimental, to suffer.
This approach of individual sick animals, regardless they are wild or domesticated,
is stipulated in the Health and Welfare Law for Animals. Art 36 of this law
says that everyone is obliged to offer appropriate help to all animals in need
of help.
In order to fulfil the responsibility for care of the large herbivores in a
fashion acceptable to most people in our society; the responsibility for care
has to be approached protocol-baed. The maintenance of the eco-system should
be leading. However, these large herbivores require a more intensive control
system for health and welfare and they need a more active intervention system
in order to prevent unnecessary suffering.
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