Background
Our perception of animals changes over time. Today, pets are increasingly seen as family members, while many people have no contact with the animals that form the basis of our animal-based foods. The extent of knowledge about animals’ emotional capacity has increased significantly in recent years. This expansion of knowledge has focused on animals’ abilities to experience negative emotional states such as pain and suffering, states that are central to much legislation concerning animal protection.

When Danish authorities handle violations of legislation regarding animal protection, knowledge is typically obtained from animal experts (veterinarians), who review the evidence and assess the severity of the case.Since 1925, such assessments have been carried out by the Veterinary Health Council, whose expert role has remained largely unchanged during this period.

ANIMALAW is the first project of its kind to focus on handling animal welfare violations in connection with animal transport. Despite 1) the long tradition of this legal practice, 2) the high number of animals transported in and from Denmark each year, and 3) the growing scientific evidence of negative affective states (such as pain and suffering) in animals, this area has not been investigated before.

Main content of the project 
Through a unique collaboration between Danish and foreign legal, anthropological, biological, and veterinary researchers, this project maps Danish practices in animal welfare cases concerning animal transport and examines whether these practices meet today’s standards regarding animal perception, expertise, and legal transparency.

Project periode and publication
The project starts in September 2024 and ends in August 2028. The results of the project, which are expected to be available at the end of the project, will be published on the ANIVETS website, at national congresses, in national journals, and will form the basis for articles in international peer-reviewed journals.