Reminder that the Five Freedoms still apply to small animals and fish. B(
- Freedom from hunger and thirst: by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
- Freedom from discomfort: by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
- Freedom from pain, injury or disease: by prevention through rapid diagnosis and treatment.
- Freedom to express normal behaviour: by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind if applicable to the species.
- Freedom from fear and distress: by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
The same concepts are often covered in animal protections laws to define what is and isn’t animal cruelty in many countries, but aren’t well enforced for small animals like fish even though they are included in many laws. It’s up to you, the owner to make sure that you do your best for your animals.
More reading on this: Michigan State University Extension, IACUC, OLAW
