Welfare of companion animalsRedazione2025-11-10T11:41:00+01:00
Welfare of companion animals
Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 defines the list of species to which companion animals belong, including dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), cats (Felis silvestris catus), and ferrets (Mustela putorius furo), but not only. Rodents and rabbits not intended for food production are also considered companion animals, as well as birds other than chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, geese, ducks, quails, pigeons, pheasants, partridges, and ratites, which are the species most commonly bred for productive purposes. Finally, according to the Regulation, companion animals also include reptiles, amphibians, ornamental aquatic animals, and some invertebrates.
The keeping of these animals is characterized by the absence of a productive purpose. In the case of species whose neurological development allows it, companion animals establish a bond with humans that has psychological and emotional significance. Even equids, particularly donkeys, horses, mules, and hinnies, although not legally classified as companion animals, can acquire significant emotional value for humans. In this context, the term “affection animals” is used to include not only the species classified as companion animals by Regulation (EU) 2016/429 but also equids not bred for food purposes.
Protection of these animals’ well-being, which live in such close contact with humans, must be addressed considering their subjectivity and, through a holistic approach, the context in which they are placed and the connection between the welfare of the animal, humans, and the environment they live in. In this perspective, it is not only about preventing any form of discomfort and suffering for the animal but also about nurturing the relationship between humans and animals in a way that promotes positive emotions and well-being for both. A path of recognition of animal alterity that, from a regulatory, bioethical, and research standpoint, is constantly evolving.
ActivitiesPublicationsOther Reference Centres
Activities at IZSVe on companion animals and equine welfare
The Animal Welfare and Human-Animal Relationship Operational Unit/National Reference Center for Animal Assisted interventions at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), part of the SCS3 – Diagnostic Services, Histopathology, Parasitology, focuses on exploring topics related to the welfare of companion animals and human-animal relationships, in line with the concepts of One Health and One Welfare, which emphasize the interaction and interconnection between human, animal, and environmental well-being.
Research activities are focused on identifying potential welfare indicators in companion animals, physiological and behavioural mechanisms involved in social relationships, sector analysis, and bioethical aspects related to various facets of the bond between humans and companion animals. The institutional activities of the Operational Unit are primarily aimed at promoting the professional qualification processes of operators working with equids or in the companion animal sector.
Contacts
Laura Contalbrigo
SCS3 – Specialized diagnostics, histopathology, and sanitary entomology
National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions
E-mail: info.iaa@izsvenezie.it
Publications
Publications by IZSVe researchers on the welfare of companion animals and equines.
2025
- Bellissimo, L., Bassan, E., Manti, F., Normando, S., Mutinelli, F., Contalbrigo, L. (2025). Human-Animal Adoption: Bioethical Challenges and Considerations. Biosemiotics, 1-21.
- Bassan, E., Franz, S., Bambasova, S., Bellissimo, L., Normando, S., Mutinelli, F., Contalbrigo, L. (2025). Empowering dog-shelter staff: strategies for clear and professional communication in adopter interviews. Poster, IAHAIO Conference, 22-23 agosto 2025, Amsterdam (Paesi Bassi).
- Walsh, E.A., Mukhambetova, Z., Mondal, R., Zanetti, R., Platto, S., Contalbrigo, L., Duarte-Gan, C., Meers, L., Bhadra, A., Normando, S. (2025). The influence of different methodologies on results whenassessing effect of breed of dog. Conference: Behaviour 2025: XXXVIII International Ethological Congress, Kolkata, West Bengal
2024
- Contalbrigo, L., Normando, S., Bassan, E., Mutinelli, F. (2024). The Welfare of Dogs and Cats in the European Union: A Gap Analysis of the Current Legal Framework. Animals, 14(17), 2571.
- Walsh, E. A., Meers, L.L., Samuels, W.E., Boonen D., Claus, A., Duarte-Gan, C., Stevens, V., Contalbrigo, L., Normando, S. (2024). Human-dog communication: how body language and non-verbal cues are key to clarity in dog directed play, petting and hugging behaviour by humans. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 272.
- Callara, A. L., Scopa, C., Contalbrigo, L., Lanatà, A., Scilingo, E. P., Baragli, P., & Greco, A. (2024). Unveiling directional physiological coupling in human-horse interactions. Iscience, 27(9). https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.isci.2024.110857
- Normando, S., Bertomoro, F., Bonetti, O., Walsh, E. A., Zanetti, R., Meers, L., & Contalbrigo, L. (2024). Prevalence of some behavioural problems in two groups of rescue dogs: galgos from Spain and other dogs. Dog behavior, 4(1)
- Bassan, E., Bellissimo, L., Contalbrigo, L., Manti, F., De Mori, B. (2024). Dog adoption process in Italian shelters: a survey-based pilot study. Poster, ISAZ “Watch and Learn: The value of observing and being with animals“, 27-30 giugno 2024, Hartpury (Inghilterra).
- Normando, S., Borlini, M., Zanetti R., Walsh,E.A., Meers, L., Contalbrigo, L. (2024). How questions may shape answers on dogs’ behavioural problems. Poster with teaser. ECBMAW Congress 3-4 Ottobre 2024, Parigi (Francia).
- Walsh, E.A., Bertomoro, F., Zanetti, R., Bonetti, O., Meers, L., Contalbrigo, L., Normando, S. (2024). Factors associated with behavioural problems most frequently observed in rescue Galgos. Poster with teaser. ECBMAW Congress 3-4 Ottobre 2024, Parigi (Francia).
- Zanetti, R., Bertomoro, F., Bonetti, O., Walsh, E. A., Meers, L., Contalbrigo, L., Normando, S. (2024). Factors affecting the most prevalent behavioural problems in recently adopted sighthounds from Spain. Poster. ECBMAW Congress 3-4 Ottobre 2024, Parigi (Francia).
- Walsh, E. A., Davini, C., Samuels, W.E., Meers, L., Contalbrigo, L., Picella, M., Zanetti, R., Stefanini, C., Faccin, S., Normando, S. (2024). Factors affecting attitudes to training methods used in the training of horses and dogs. Poster. ECBMAW Congress 3-4 Ottobre 2024, Parigi (Francia).
- Contalbrigo, L., Mair, A., Venturini, T., Filugelli, L., Bonetti, O., Walsh, A. E., Meers, L., Normando, S. (2024). Factors affecting some behavioural characteristics in Maine Coon cats as rated by their caretakers. Poster. ECBMAW Congress 3-4 Ottobre 2024, Parigi (Francia).
- Normando, S., Contalbrigo, L., Regolin, L., Baruffati, A., Loconsole, M. (2024). Protocol development for Alpaca welfare assessment: cognitive paradigms in a new One Welfare perspective. Poster. IX WAFL Congress. 30-31 Agosto 2024, Firenze (Italia).
- Duarte-Gan, C., Meers, L.L., Walsh, A.E., Contalbrigo, L., Samuels, W.E., Normando, S., Martos-Montes, R. Unveiling Joint Attention Dynamics in Autism: Analyzing First Fixation Latency and Transition Patterns to Human and Animal Social Cues. Poster. ISAZ “Watch and Learn: The value of observing and being with animals“, 27-30 giugno 2024, Hartpury (Inghilterra).
- Contalbrigo, L., Normando, S., Bassan, E., Mutinelli, F. (2024). EU companion animal welfare: a gap analysis of the current legal framework. V Congresso annuale Sisfv e XVII Annual Veterinary Forensic Science Conference–15-17 maggio 2024, Cagliari.
2023
- Ungar A., Melosi M., Mussi C., Catalani M. C., Santarelli D., Bisconti E., Mariti C., Passalacqua C., Contalbrigo L., Mutinelli F. (2023). VETeris guidelines: a One Health/One Welfare approach to elderly-animal bond. Poster, 5th European Veterinary College of Behavioural Medicine and Animal Welfare, 19-20 ottobre 2023, Pisa.
- Meers, L.L., Walsh, E.A., Boonen, D., Duarte-Gan, C., Stevens, V., Contalbrigo, L., Berckmans, D., Normando, S. To hug or not to hug? How body language and nonverbalcues are key to clarity in human-canine communication. 5th European Veterinary College of Behavioural Medicine and Animal Welfare, 19-20 ottobre 2023, Pisa.
- Meers, L.L., Walsh, E.A., Samuels, W.E., Claus, A., Duarte-Gan, C., Contalbrigo, L., Stevens, V.A., Laufer, S.J., Dekeyrel, C., Berckmans, D., Normando, S.R. A One Welfare approach to tick bite prevention: The impact of the environment on human and animal health.Poster, IV One Welfare World Conference, 10-11 ottobre 2023, Burgos (Spagna).
- Contalbrigo, L., Mutinelli, F., Normando, S. (2023). The dark side of beauty in companion animals: can we speak about genetic abuse? Journal of Ethics and Legal Technologies, 5(1), 59-74.
- De Santis, M., Seganfreddo, S., Greco, A., Normando, S., Benedetti, D., Mutinelli, F., Contalbrigo, L. (2023). Donkey Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability: A Scoping Review. Animals, 13(3), 408.
- Seganfreddo, S., Fornasiero, D., De Santis, M., Mutinelli, F., Normando, S., Contalbrigo, L. (2023). A Pilot Study on Behavioural and Physiological Indicators of Emotions in Donkeys. Animals, 13(9), 1466.
- Normando, S., De Santis, M., Mingardo, L., Contalbrigo, L. Animal therapeutic neglect: when does it mean animal abuse? Poster, 5th European Veterinary College of Behavioural Medicine and Animal Welfare, 19-20 ottobre 2023, Pisa.
- Contalbrigo, L., Filugelli, L., Seganfreddo, S., Mutinelli, F., Normando S. An Italian survey addressed to shelters’ workers: observations and opinions about shelter dogs behavioural problems and shelter features affecting dog welfare. Poster, 5th European Veterinary College of Behavioural Medicine and Animal Welfare, 19-20 ottobre 2023, Pisa.
- Normando, S., Filugelli, L., Contiero, B., Schrank, M., Mutinelli, F., Zanetti, R., Contalbrigo, L. (2023). Satisfaction, behavior and health problems in whippets and miniature Italian greyhounds, as reported by their caretakers. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 68, 32-41.
2022
- Normando, S., Venturini, T., Filugelli, L., Bonetti, O., Mutinelli, F., Contalbrigo, L. (2022). Cat-human bond: Satisfaction and behavioural complaints among Italian respondents. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 256, 105749.
- Normando, S., Filugelli, L., Walsh, E. A., Meers, L. L., Zanetti, R., Contalbrigo, L. (2022). Are whippets and Italian Greyhounds “breedist” when deciding whether to join other dogs in play? A survey among Italian caretakers.Dog Behavior, 8(3).
- Normando, S., Walsh, E. A., Meers, L. L., Contalbrigo, L. (2022). Can environmental temperature influence shelter dogs’ behaviour? A pilot study. Dog behavior, 8(3).
- Contalbrigo, L., Filugelli, L., Pavan, F., Normando, S. (2022). Whippet and Italian Greyhound interspecific social behaviour: preliminary data from an Italian survey. EVCAWBM – BM – Virtual Conference. European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine, 28 settembre – 1 ottobre.
- Seganfreddo, S., Fornasiero, D., De Santis, M., Contalbrigo, L., Mutinelli, F., Normando, S. (2022). Investigation of donkeys learning capabilities through an operant conditioning. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 255, 105743.
2017-2021
- Contalbrigo, L., Borgi, M., De Santis, M., Collacchi, B., Tuozzi, A., Toson, M., Redaelli, V., Odore, R., Vercelli, C., Stefani, A., Luzi, F., Cirulli, F. (2021). Equine-Assisted Interventions (EAIs) for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Behavioural and Physiological Indices of Stress in Domestic Horses (Equus caballus) during Riding Sessions. Animals, 11(6), 1562.
- De Santis, M., Seganfreddo, S., Galardi, M., Mutinelli, F., Normando, S., Contalbrigo, L. (2021). Donkey behaviour and cognition: a literature review. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 244, 105485.
- Normando, S., Filugelli, L., Pavan, F., Zanetti, R., Meers, L., Contalbrigo, L. (2021). Behaviours expressed by whippets and Italian greyhounds when in two positive emotional states, as perceived by Italian caretakers. Dog behavior, 7(1).
- Scopa, C., Greco, A., Contalbrigo, L., Fratini, E., Lanatà, A., Scilingo, E. P., Baragli, P. (2020). Inside the interaction: Contact with familiar humans modulates heart rate variability in horses. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 998.
- Scopa, C., Contalbrigo, L., Greco, A., Lanatà, A., Scilingo, E. P., Baragli, P. (2019). Emotional transfer in human–horse interaction: new perspectives on equine assisted interventions. Animals, 9(12), 1030.
- De Santis, M., Contalbrigo, L., Borgi, M., Cirulli, F., Luzi, F., Redaelli, V., Stefani, A., Toson, M., Odore, R., Vercelli, C., Valle, E., Farina, L. (2017). Equine Assisted Interventions (EAIs): Methodological considerations for stress assessment in horses. Veterinary sciences, 4(3), 44.
Reference centres on companion animals and equine welfare
European Centres
- European Reference Centre for Equine Welfare, at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise (IZSAM)
website
Italian Centres
- National Reference Centre for Animal Welfare, at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna (IZSLER)
website
- National Reference Centre for Veterinary Urban Hygiene and Non-Epidemic Emergencies, at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise (IZSAM)
website
- National Reference Centre for Animal-Assisted Interventions, at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe)
website
