At Riverside Foods, we firmly believe that it is not enough to simply meet the basic standards for animal welfare; we have a moral duty to ensure that the animals in our care experience the best possible treatment. This is why we follow the Five Freedoms, first defined by the Farm Animal Welfare Council in 2009. But what exactly are the Five Freedoms, and why are they so essential in our sector?
What are the ‘Five Freedoms’ in animal welfare?
The Five Freedoms are ways of making sure that all animals within our industry experience a life free from suffering. At Riverside Foods, we actively go above and beyond to meet and surpass the requirements as follows:
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Freedom from hunger and thirst
First and foremost, we ensure our animals always have access to clean water and a balanced diet to promote their optimal health and vitality. To do this, we carefully monitor dietary intake to ensure animals receive the nutrients they need. By providing fresh, high-quality feed that meets each animal’s specific requirements, we ensure they can thrive in their environment. We do this because the welfare of any animal is significantly improved when its nutritional needs are fully met, and this remains one of our primary focuses.
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Freedom from discomfort
Secondly, all animals in our care are provided with proper shelter and living environments that protect them from the elements and ensure their physical comfort. This includes providing ample space, appropriate bedding, and optimal ventilation. We regularly assess the comfort levels of the animals to make sure that their living conditions are clean, safe, and suitable for their species.
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Freedom from pain, injury, and disease
Thirdly, we carry out extensive proactive health checks to detect any potential health issues that are diagnosed and treated early and swiftly. Our kind and compassionate vets work closely with our farms to ensure animals remain in peak condition, and our prevention measures minimise the risk of injury or illness.
While we are committed to avoiding the use of antibiotics as much as possible, we will always prioritise an animal’s welfare and provide medical treatment if it is necessary. This balanced approach ensures that animals do not suffer unnecessarily.
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Freedom to express normal behaviour
The fourth freedom is about allowing all animals to express their natural behaviours, and we design our facilities to encourage this. We encourage animals to express normal behaviour by giving them plenty of space, proper social interactions, and suitable environmental enrichment. For example, we allow poultry to bathe in dust and encourage social interaction among herd animals. Suitable facilities, space, and social groupings are essential to promoting the natural behaviour of the animals, and we take pride in facilitating this.
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Freedom from fear and distress
Finally, we recognise that animals, like humans, are sentient beings capable of experiencing fear and stress. We go to great lengths to ensure that the animals in our care do not suffer from anxiety or distress as much as possible. This includes creating low-stress handling environments and ensuring that they are treated with respect and compassion at all times. We train our staff to handle animals calmly and gently, reducing any potential distress that could arise from human interaction. We aim to create a peaceful and secure environment where animals feel safe and protected.
Final words
At Riverside Foods, we firmly believe that animal welfare extends far beyond the basic standards. We live by the Five Freedoms, ensuring that all animals under our care live healthy, fulfilling lives. For us, animal welfare is not just a legal obligation; it is a moral imperative that we take incredibly seriously. From the food we provide to the environments we create, we make sure that our animals experience the highest possible standard of care. In doing so, we hope to set a new standard for animal welfare within the industry and encourage others to follow our lead.
