Digital Commons Network^™

U.S. Animal Shelter Demographics: Trends & Issues, Andrew N. Rowan

WellBeing News

This article reviews key trends in U.S. animal sheltering, including major declines in euthanasia and intake. It also highlights ongoing issues like regional disparities and resource gaps that impact shelter operations.

More Equal Than Others: Taxonomic Bias In Animal Management, Barrett L. Christie

Animal Sentience

Oldfield & Bonano (2024) point out not only the scarcity of research on fish welfare but also significant taxonomic bias in broader research on these species. This bias extends to the management practices of aquaria and zoos, where the focus is on higher vertebrates. More resources need to be allocated to research to address this disparity. We also need to develop welfare constructs that recognize the inherent differences between aquatic and terrestrial species, taking into account the unique ecological contexts and behavioral patterns of fishes.

Cross-Movement Collaboration For Farmed Animal Advocates In Southeast Asia, Jack Stennett, Ella Wong, Fiona Rowles, Allison Troy Phd, Andie Thompkins Phd

General - Animal Protection

This qualitative study employs desk research and semi-structured interviews with social movement leaders in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines to understand how different social movement missions, goals, and strategies overlap with those of the farmed animal advocacy movement.

Exploring The Landscape Of Animal Advocacy In Egypt: Insights Into Stray, Wildlife, And Farmed Animal Rights, Yara Moussa, Wasseem Emam

General - Animal Protection

This article examines the landscape of animal advocacy in Egypt, a nascent and growing field in one of Africa’s largest economies and most densely populated countries. It focuses on three types of animal advocacy: 1) stray animal welfare, 2) wildlife conservation, and 3) farmed animal welfare. The paper critically analyses current practices and trends in each of these areas, highlighting the main challenges and opportunities facing the growth of the movement. Our research draws on insights from interviews with active animal welfare organizations, situating their practical experiences, daily operational struggles, as well as instances of success, within Egypt’s wider socio-economic …

Antimicrobial Resistance: A Serious Global Health Threat: Part 2, Andrew N. Rowan

WellBeing News

The article examines how the post-war rise of industrial animal farming led to routine antibiotic use for growth, a key factor in the development of antimicrobial resistance. It stresses the urgent need to reform farming practices to reduce the spread of drug-resistant bacteria and protect public health.

Getting It Together – Ending Lab Animal Use, Andrew N. Rowan

WellBeing News

U.S. federal agencies are advancing coordinated strategies to phase out animal testing and adopt innovative, humane research technologies. These new approaches aim to deliver more accurate and ethical scientific results by focusing on human biology.

The Community Cat Conundrum, Andrew N. Rowan

WellBeing News

Efforts to manage outdoor cat populations are shifting toward humane approaches like Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return and Return-to-Field. While these methods gain support, conflicting legal frameworks and philosophical divides continue to complicate their widespread adoption.

How To Message Plant-Based Diets And Products In Southeast Asia: A Social Media Analysis, Audrey Tsen, Thomas Manandhar-Richardson, Allison Troy Phd, Andie Thompkins Phd

Diet

This study will employ social listening analysis to identify key beliefs and misconceptions for South East Asians around plant-based diets and alternative proteins. It will use this rich understanding to recommend messaging strategies to address current misconceptions and inspire diet change. The details of the preregistration are provided in an uploaded PDF. It was adapted from the standard OSF Pre-registration template, which does not apply well to qualitative research.

Review - Not The End Of The World, Steven Hansch, Leslie Barcus

Tales of WellBeing

Hannah Ritchie’s book Not the End of the World offers a data-driven and optimistic perspective on global challenges, emphasizing that while the world faces significant issues, progress is being made, and with informed action, a sustainable future is attainable.

How Aza Zoos And Aquariums Are Helping To Fill The Gap, Erika Bauer, Grace Fuller, Candice Dorsey

Animal Sentience

Oldfield & Bonano (2024) identify significant gaps in scientific knowledge about certain animal taxa, such as reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and fish. Despite some efforts, published literature remains limited, forcing decision-makers to rely more on experiential knowledge than scientific evidence. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are uniquely positioned to bridge these gaps and advance animal welfare science by fostering collaboration, building partnerships, and promoting multi-disciplinary approaches to welfare assessments.

The Importance Of Wild Birds, Janice H. Cox

Nexus – UNEP – Animal Welfare, Environment, Sustainable Development

Wild birds are important in their own right, for their contribution to human wellbeing, and for their ecological value, as part of the “web of life”. Birds are sentient beings with complex thinking and social behaviors, and the ability to experience positive and negative feelings, including suffering. The ways in which birds contribute to the functioning of the world's ecosystems include: pest control, pollination, cleaning up nature, spreading seeds, keeping coral reefs alive and transforming landscapes. Yet wild bird populations are declining dramatically – with one in eight bird species threatened with extinction. Birds are one of the most important …

Farmed Animal Investments And Global Well-Being, Andrew N. Rowan

WellBeing News

Established in 2015 by Jeremy Coller, the FAIRR Initiative has grown into a global network of over 400 investors overseeing around $75 trillion in assets. FAIRR focuses on the risks associated with intensive animal agriculture, including its contributions to climate change, resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and public health concerns. By offering comprehensive research, such as the Coller FAIRR Protein Producer Index, FAIRR equips institutional investors with the necessary tools to integrate these considerations into their investment strategies, promoting a shift towards more sustainable food production systems.

Effective Communication With Political Staffers: A Framework For Animal Advocates, Erika Berglund

General - Animal Protection

Successful animal advocacy relies on understanding legislative processes, making personalized and specific requests, and building strong relationships with lawmakers and staff. Forming diverse coalitions and framing issues around widely supported concerns like economics or public health can broaden appeal. Flexibility and strategic compromise are also key to long-term legislative success.

Flow: A Stunning And Emotional Journey Through A Cat's Eyes, Steven Hansch

Tales of WellBeing

Flow (2025), the Oscar-winning animated film by Gints Zilbalodis, takes viewers on a breathtaking journey through the eyes of a cat. With stunning visuals and a powerful environmental message, this dialogue-free masterpiece is a must-watch.

Exploring The Impacts Of Food System Education: A Case Study, Constanza Arevalo Msc, Andie Thompkins Ph.D.

Diet

This case study, involving qualitative and quantitative methods, explores the long-term impacts of an education program that trains students in effective communication, advocacy, and leadership skills to combat factory farming. The results from this study will shed light on the effectiveness and value of educational programs for the animal protection movement and for the students who partake in them.

Whale Sentience & Scientific Serendipity, Andrew Rowan Dphil

WellBeing News

Whales exhibit advanced cognitive functions, including intricate social behaviors and communication skills, indicative of high intelligence and sentience. Understanding these traits is crucial for informing ethical considerations and enhancing conservation strategies for these majestic marine mammals.

To Declaw Or Not To Declaw?, Andrew Rowan Dphil, Kathleen Rowan

WellBeing News

Declawing cats, known medically as onychectomy, involves amputating the last bone of each toe to remove the claws. While some pet owners consider it a solution to prevent property damage or reduce the risk of relinquishment to shelters, the procedure is associated with significant pain, potential behavioral changes such as increased biting and litterbox avoidance, and ethical debates regarding animal welfare. Alternatives like providing appropriate scratching surfaces, regular nail trimming, and using nail caps are recommended to address unwanted scratching behaviors without resorting to declawing.

Pets And Politics, Andrew Rowan Dphil

WellBeing News

The article explores how politicians leverage pet ownership to enhance their public image, noting that over 90% of U.S. presidents have had pets in the White House. It also examines studies highlighting pets' role as social catalysts and discusses regional variations in pet ownership across the United States.

"The Moral Circle" By Jeff Sebo, Andrew Rowan

Tales of WellBeing

In The Moral Circle: Who Matters, What Matters, and Why, philosopher Jeff Sebo explores the boundaries of ethics, urging us to expand our compassion beyond the usual limits.

Communicating With Animals, Andrew Rowan

Tales of WellBeing

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing our understanding of animal communication, enabling deeper connections between humans and other species. From decoding whale songs to interpreting parrot speech, AI opens new avenues for interspecies dialogue.

Dog Population In The Usa, Andrew N. Rowan

WellBeing News

Dog population studies reveal that approximately 60% of the world's dogs live in human homes, contrary to previous claims that most are free-roaming. Recent analyses also show a strong correlation between dog populations and human density, providing valuable insights for animal shelters, pet policies, and urban planning.

Exploring Gen Z'S Attitudes Towards Animals And The Environment, Michelle Sinclair Ph.D., Jack Stennett, Ying Chung

General - Animal Protection

This quantitative and qualitative study involves surveying young adults (Generation Z) from China, the U.S., Thailand, and Indonesia to explore motivators and barriers regarding their involvement in animal and environmental protection.

"The Edge Of Sentience" By Jonathan Birch, Andrew Rowan

Tales of WellBeing

WBI’s Andrew Rowan reviews The Edge of Sentience by Jonathan Birch, a groundbreaking book on sentience across animals, humans, and AI, offering guidance into ethical and policy considerations.

Book Review | Regenerative Farming And Sustainable Diets: Human, Animal And Planetary Health, Leslie Barcus, Steve Hansch

WellBeing News

Regenerative Farming and Sustainable Diets (2025) explores transformative approaches to creating sustainable food systems that benefit humans, animals, and the planet. Edited by Joyce D’Silva and Carol McKenna, this anthology features insights from experts on regenerative agriculture, plant-based diets, biodiversity, and ethical farming, offering actionable pathways for global change.

Reflections, Andrew N. Rowan

WellBeing News

The article highlights the organization's ongoing efforts to promote global well-being for people, animals, and the environment. It emphasizes the importance of accessible research, community-focused initiatives, and collaborative strategies to drive meaningful change in animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

Animals In Conflict – Part Iii: How Animals Are Harmed By Armed Conflicts And Military Activities, Janice H. Cox, Jackson Zee

WellBeing News

Armed conflicts often overlook the impact on animals, with international policies primarily focused on environmental protection. This article examines frameworks like the ENMOD Convention and the Rome Statute, highlighting gaps in law and advocating for stronger measures to safeguard wildlife, livestock, and companion animals in war zones.

Donald Griffin, Scientific Revolutions, And Reclaiming Humanity’S Place In The Living World, Paul Waldau

Animal Sentience

Donald Griffin’s work revolutionized cognitive ethology and continues to challenge human exceptionalism by emphasizing rigorous, unbiased inquiry. His legacy calls for a deeper recognition of humanity’s place within the broader animal community, urging interdisciplinary approaches that bridge science, ethics, and cultural traditions to foster a more inclusive understanding of life.

Two Paradigms Of Research And Their Influence On The Study Of Animal Behaviour, David Fraser

General - Animal Cognition and Behavior

Taxonomist Roy Crowson identified a fundamental difference among sciences. What he called “natural history” is exemplified by classical biology; it begins by observing, describing and classifying phenomena in the real world, then seeks patterns and concepts that help to synthesize and explain the observations, and proceeds to measurement and experimentation grounded in that framework. What he called “natural philosophy” is exemplified by classical physics; it postulates fundamental principles or concepts that are thought to apply universally, and the research proceeds more directly to measurement and experimentation directed at these principles or concepts. The study of animal behaviour has been influenced …

Donald Griffin, Cognitive Ethology, And Animal Life Histories, Walter Veit

Animal Sentience

Carolyn Ristau offers a stellar investigative biography of Donald Redfield Griffin and his influence on the science and philosophy of animal minds. This commentary focuses on his aim to study animal minds through an ethological lens—that is, by examining the evolved, adaptive functions of mental capacities and consciousness in natural environments, rather than confining research to controlled laboratory settings. I argue that, far from being romantic, this approach can be firmly grounded in modern life history theory.

Consciousness Of Octopuses—On Their Own Terms, Jennifer Mather

Animal Sentience

Because cephalopods are so different from the vertebrate lineage, their possible consciousness must be assessed on the basis of their heritage and abilities. Cephalopods have evolved in water, a denser medium than air, and their perception is adapted to it. They have inherited the molluscan mantle cavity and hydrostatic muscle type, which has led to a more distributed motor control system despite a centralized brain, and have evolved a completely novel skin display system. Using these abilities, octopuses can form concepts, plan for the future, generate a cognitive map, and self-monitor for apparent pain and manipulate communication. Most cephalopods use …