As animal agriculture comes under scrutiny and animal welfare issues are hotly debated, the time to become educated to proactively address animal welfare issues is now.

“Animal welfare is a prominent issue in Ohio and the United States and even the world. It’s a topic of interest to producers, consumers, veterinarians, health-care professionals, legislators and anyone who has a stake in sustainable animal agriculture,” said Naomi Botheras, animal welfare program specialist for Ohio State University Extension in the Department of Animal Sciences. “Because it is such an important topic that affects a lot of people, it’s important to become educated about the issue, participate in the conversation and get involved in the decision-making process.”

Informed decisions about animal welfare that will positively address the needs of animals, producers, and consumers are based on understanding a wide range of perspectives. To better understand and proactively address farm animal welfare issues, the Department of Animal Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University are holding an Animal Welfare Symposium, “Building Partnerships to Address Animal Agriculture,” on Friday, Oct. 16 at the university’s Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210. Well-known animal welfare experts and social scientists from around the world will discuss the scientific, ethical, legal and social contexts embedded in the animal welfare debate.

“The symposium is an opportunity for people to hear a wide range of animal welfare perspectives, hear what other people are doing and discuss what needs to be done. It’s also a chance to learn from other countries about how they have handled animal welfare issues, so we don’t have to reinvent the wheel or more importantly so we don’t make the same mistakes they’ve made,” said Botheras who is co-organizing the event