|
It is recognised that there is a link between
sustainable development and good animal welfare
practice.
Sustainable development has been defined as “development
that meets the needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs” (Brundtland Commission, 1987).
Human activities that involve or impact upon animals
can threaten sustainable development. Some of
these activities also pose serious threats to
human, animal health and the environment; others
may be wasteful of, or damaging to animals. Intensive
farming, the trade in wild animals, animal experimentation
and the destruction of natural habitats are just
some human activities which fall under the unsustainable
umbrella.
The EU’s Sustainable Development Strategy
(EU SDS) was set up in 2001 and designed to address
serious threats to sustainable development within
Europe and globally. Key threats identified included:
climate change; public health; transport and land
use; management of natural resources; the challenges
of an ageing society, poverty and social exclusion.
|
