Development of a One Welfare-informed assessment tool for farm animal welfare investigations using observable human, property, and animal indicators

Abstract

Animal welfare investigations on farms often reveal livestock neglect that may be associated with psychological distress, reduced capacity, or other challenges affecting farmer well-being. Most animal welfare assessment tools focus on animal-based indicators, and do not typically incorporate observable human or property indicators. This study explored animal protection officers’ observations and experiences during farm animal welfare investigations to identify observable human, property, and animal indicators associated with these investigations and to develop a One Welfare-informed assessment tool to support field-based assessments. Although investigations frequently involve animals already in distress, these indicators may reflect underlying strain that contributes to worsening welfare issues if unaddressed. Focusing on farming operations in Alberta, Canada, data were collected through focus groups and interviews with animal protection officers (n = 18) and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Six themes were identified: property and grounds disrepair; compromised human living conditions; farmer distress; animal neglect; unusual livestock management; and animal and material overaccumulation. These themes reflected interconnected human, property, and animal indicators. Findings were translated into a 60-item assessment tool of farmer behaviour, property conditions, and animal care indicators that may support early identification of risk and guide tailored interventions when education or enforcement alone are insufficient. The tool includes Levels of Concern with recommended follow-up actions and was pilot tested by two officers. Integrating human and property indicators into animal welfare assessments would offer a practical approach to identifying concerns related to farmer well-being and animal welfare.