Animal welfare encompasses legal, ethical, and social issues concerning the treatment of non-human animals. The term may also refer to the “welfare state”, which in its most developed form provides social security and public services for all citizens, regardless of age or employment status.
Animal welfare advocates seek to prevent what they consider to be unnecessary suffering inflicted on animals by humans, and to promote the humane treatment of animals. They believe that animals are sentient beings who deserve to be treated with compassion and respect, and that their interests should be taken into account when making decisions that affect them.