Animal welfare: a job for the future?

Humans have been raising and working with animals for thousands of years. However, the industrialization of the agricultural sector has led to questionable practices. Certainly, farmers have set out to produce more meat, milk and eggs for the market. This has often come at the cost of animal welfare, which has been relegated to almost the lowest priority, and the excessive use of antibiotics.

Little by little, animal rights organizations have shown the general public the negative consequences of their consumption. As a result, animal welfare is becoming an increasingly important social value. This can be seen in the fact that farms are now required to have a person in charge of this issue, as well as a different vision of animal husbandry and veterinary medicine.

This ARTE report follows three people. First, a cattle breeder uses natural, gentle approaches to care for her herd. The cows are given plenty of outings, privileged moments with the woman who looks after them, and respect both in their milking and in the bond with the calf that is preserved. Natural approaches not only enable them to avoid the use of medication, but also to offer organic products that are appreciated in the region, and a profitable breeding operation.

The second portrait is that of a veterinarian who, after many years, has taken up the use of different therapeutic methods with companion animals and livestock. This is not to say that he has renounced all veterinary medical practices; however, he has realized that the use of phytotherapy and techniques such as acupuncture can work very well in certain cases. In 2017, the French veterinary association began recognizing approaches such as osteopathy. Thus, the report follows an animal osteopathy student who learns how to manually detect tensions, weaknesses and others that can equally harm the health of llamas or dogs.

Running time: 32min29