Are we keeping animal welfare front of mind as future tech and innovation move into the 2020s?
New treatments and technology are transforming the way we work but is there a point when the desire for innovation compromises animal welfare?
The AWF Discussion Forum will return to London on Monday 8th June 2020 for a thought-provoking day of debate and discussion with three main sessions carrying the theme, ‘Technology and welfare: a happy partnership?’
After last year’s sold out event, the 2020 programme sees the return of two major debates with a panel of well-known veterinary and animal welfare experts going head to head on where animal welfare sits within the fast-moving landscape of technology and innovation. The audience are encouraged to get involved in two debates and a Q and A session, as panellists present their arguments for and against each motion.
Farming, Sustainability and Welfare
The first session will focus on sustainability in farming and how we can make sure that animal welfare is part of these conversations. A different set of expert panellists will go head to head on the idea that ‘intensive farming is good for welfare and sustainability’. This session will look at the rise in farm focused technology, the UK Government’s sustainable intensification agenda, and whether intensive farming can ever be good for both welfare and sustainability.
Chaired by Daniella Dos Santos, AWF trustee and BVA President, the panel features:
- Jimmy Turnbull - Professor at the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling
- David Alvis – Management consultant to the UK AgriFood sector
- Michael Appleby - Scientific specialist in behaviour, husbandry and welfare of farm animals
- Maria Carmen Hubbard – Senior lecturer at Newcastle University
Innovation and Overtreatment
The afternoon sitting will hear debate around the often-controversial issue of overtreatment and the statement that, ‘uncontrolled treatment innovations are detrimental to welfare’. Panellists will drill deep into the issue, looking at whether a line can be drawn between daily practices and experimental treatments. They will also look at where animal welfare and wellbeing sit within this and the development of new and innovative processes.
Chaired by Sky News Sports Editor Nick Powell, the expert panel is made up of:
- Eddie Clutton - Head of Anesthesia at the Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies
- Sean Wensley - Senior PDSA Vet and British Veterinary Association (BVA) council member
- Dan Brockman - Professor of Small Animal Surgery and Director of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Service at the Royal Veterinary College
- Karen Humm – Associate Professor in Transfusion Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care at the Royal Veterinary College
It will follow on from a session last year which explored the issue of weighing up a pet’s quality of life with the increase in emerging treatments and some owners’ preference to ‘keep pets going at all costs’.
The two debates will be followed by a Q and A session on how changing the interpretation of ‘under care’ might impact animal welfare. Further details on this session are coming soon.
Commenting on the 2020 programme, AWF Chair, Chris Laurence said:
“The issues on the table for this year’s debates are both topical and complex. They are prominent in current conversations around animal welfare in veterinary practice, the future of farming and indeed further afield, as technology and innovation become more ingrained in our daily lives.
“I am excited to revisit a ‘big debate’ style format after some overwhelmingly good feedback from last year and am looking forward to seeing which side our audience comes down on, both before and after they have heard our speakers.
“The forum offers something for the whole veterinary team as well as students and animal welfare professionals. Delegates will have the chance to network and discuss some of the most important issues within the veterinary profession today.”
Daniella Dos Santos, President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) said:
“The AWF Discussion Forum is a key date in the veterinary calendar and one which I always look forward to. It offers experts from across the animal health and welfare field a chance to take part in an informed, scientific debate on important issues.
“The main debates this year cover some very current issues that the veterinary profession will undoubtedly find interesting. In the case of overtreatment, we know anecdotally that our companion animal members can often feel very pressured when making the right decision for the animal vs the expectations of the owner. Innovation in treatment options available for pets may delay end of life decisions and prolong life. How do we determine which innovation is in the best interests of the animals’ welfare?
“With regards to the farming debate, a recent BVA Voice of the Veterinary Profession report, 89% of vets said that they would like to play a bigger role in the UK sustainability agenda. As vets, we must look at how high standards of animal health and welfare can be maintained within this and the morning debate should be informative in that respect.
“There really is something for anyone working within the animal welfare arena and I would encourage everyone to book in and get involved.”
Tickets for the AWF Discussion forum are now on sale and can be purchased here.
Press: Please contact Charlotte Raynsford charlotter@bva.co.uk or Erika Singh Erika@animalwelfarefoundation.org.uk with regards to press passes.
