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Equine veterinary journal. Supplement1999; (27); 5-9; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1998.tb05136.x

The identification of abnormal behaviour and behavioural problems in stabled horses and their relationship to horse welfare: a comparative review.

Abstract: Many behaviours in domestic animals, such as the 'stable vices' of horses, are treated because they are considered undesirable for economic or cultural reasons, and not because the activity affects the horse's quality of life. The impact of a behaviour on the human reporter is not a function of its impact on the animal performer, and an understanding of the causes and effects of the particular activity is necessary to assess the costs and benefits of treatment. Where the behaviour is a sign of poor welfare, such as an inadequate environment, treatment can best be achieved by removing these underlying causal factors. Pharmacological or physical prevention of a behaviour can be justified only if the behaviour causes harm to the performer or to others. In these cases, prevention of the behaviour without addressing its causes is no cure and may result in its perseverance in a modified form or the disruption of the animal's ability to adapt to its environment. Where the behavioural 'problem' causes no harm and is not related to poor housing, then the education of the reporter, rather than treatment of the performer, may be the best solution.
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Publication Date: 1999-09-15 PubMed ID: 10484995DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1998.tb05136.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article discusses how certain behaviors in domestic animals, particularly horses, are often treated as problems due to their economic or cultural implications, rather than their actual impact on the animal’s welfare. It suggests that addressing the underlying causes of such behaviors, particularly those resulting from inadequate environments, may provide a better solution than attempting to stop the behaviors themselves.

Understanding Behavioral Problems in Horses

  • The paper begins by drawing attention to how certain behaviors exhibited by domestic animals are perceived as undesirable or problematic largely due to their economic or cultural implications. In the case of horses, these behaviors—referred to as ‘stable vices’—are often treated to simply stop the behavior rather than addressing the impact on the animal’s overall quality of life.

Impact of Behaviour on Humans vs Animals

  • The authors argue that the impact of a certain behavior on the human being reporting it does not translate to the same level of impact on the animal itself. Therefore, in order to evaluate the necessity and potential benefits of treatment, it’s crucial to understand the causes and effects of the behavior from the animal’s perspective.

Addressing Underlying Causes of Behaviour

  • The paper points out that if a particular behavior is a signpost of poor welfare for the animal—for instance, if it’s resulting from an inadequate environment—it would be more effective to alleviate these underlying issues than to try to cease the behavior. Pharmacological or physical prevention should only be considered if the behavior itself poses harm to the animal or others.
  • Preventing a behaviour without addressing what causes it is not a long-term solution and may even lead to persistence of the behaviour in a different form or undermine the animal’s ability to adapt to its environment.

Education Over Treatment

  • According to the article, in situations where the behavioral ‘problem’ isn’t harmful to the animal and is unrelated to poor housing conditions, it would be more beneficial to educate the person reporting the behavior rather than treating the animal itself.

Cite This Article

APA
Cooper JJ, Mason GJ. (1999). The identification of abnormal behaviour and behavioural problems in stabled horses and their relationship to horse welfare: a comparative review. Equine Vet J Suppl(27), 5-9. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1998.tb05136.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal. Supplement
NlmUniqueID: 9614088
Country: United States
Language: English
Issue: 27
Pages: 5-9

Researcher Affiliations

Cooper, J J
  • Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK.
Mason, G J

    MeSH Terms

    • Animal Welfare
    • Animals
    • Behavior, Animal
    • Horses / psychology
    • Housing, Animal / standards
    • Stereotyped Behavior

    Citations

    This article has been cited 21 times.
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