Animal welfare education: a current challenge that must be empirically addressed

Abstract

Non-human animals (NHAs) have long accompanied human life, forming bonds that are not always beneficial for the other species involved. Increasing public concern about how these animals live and die is reflected in the growing number of groups and movements advocating for their dignified treatment. However, this concern has been minimally incorporated into formal education. This article aims to gather, analyze, and systematize the perspectives of national and international experts in animal legislation and advocacy regarding Colombia’s needs in caring for other species. It also examines recent Colombian regulations and compiles expert recommendations to promote education on the dignified treatment of non-human animals (DTNHA). A descriptive-exploratory study was conducted using non-probability sampling and semi-structured interviews with 25 experts. The data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti software, which yielded six main categories: Education and Pedagogy, Government Commitment, Psychosocial Component, Legislation, Indicators, and Ethical-Moral Aspects. The experts emphasized the importance of educating citizens in bioethics, morality, and philosophy. Additionally, institutions, organizations, and professionals responsible for community education should incorporate content that addresses specific needs, including ethology, legal frameworks, and animal handling techniques. The interviewees unanimously highlighted education as the primary tool to improve the dignified treatment of non-human animals.