State of the animal 2024: reflections and opinions on the shifting relationship between humans and animals in the Netherlands

How does the way we currently keep and treat animals fit in with the desire for greater welfare? Following the State of the Animal 2019 survey, the RDA developed the six guiding principles for animal-friendly livestock farming. These have been widely embraced and are starting to take root. However, it also appears to be difficult to make major steps.

A number of themes and pressing questions emerged from the public survey, the RDA Congress and input from council members that form the RDA's new multi-year agenda. Do the six guiding principles for animal-friendly livestock farming also help other animal groups, such as companion animals, laboratory animals and zoo animals? How does animal-friendly farming relate to other social challenges, such as the environment and climate? Do we assess one animal species differently from another? And how can animal welfare be better guaranteed?

The RDA will be considering these questions and others in the coming years.