Animalethics

Animalethics

Faculty of Health and Medical Science

Danish research centre

Centre for Companion Animal Welfare

Introduction to animal ethics

The principles and practices of animal ethics

Two horses lying down on paddock - Astrid Helene Birk

Animal Ethics Dilemma

Try the interactive tool and learn about different ethical views on animal ethics

About Animalethics.net

Academic papers about animal ethics and welfare - open access when possible

Companion animals

Farm animals

Laboratory animals

Wild animals

Animal ethics

2026.05.05

Dog training choices reflect owners’ ethical views on animals

A new study from the University of Copenhagen explores how dog owners’ ethical views on animals are reflected in the training methods they use.

CAT BEHAVIOR

2026.04.23

Dealing with annoying cats

The study investigates the effect of enrichment in the form of (i) non-food-related object play and (ii) food puzzles on owner-directed attention-seeking behaviour among companion cats with no or limited outdoor access.

INSURANCE

2026.04.17

Dog and cat owners’ uptake of health insurance and spending on vet treatment

This study investigates the reasons for the uptake of insurance among dog and cat owners in different income groups in Austria, Denmark and the UK.

Columns for Canadian Veterinary Journal

Ethicists' commentary on providing advice on risks to human health

Ethical question of the month, November 2025 You have a canine patient with recurrent episodes of diarrhea. When taking the patient history, you learn that the owner feeds the dog an exclusively raw food diet. You also…

Ethicists’ commentary on the breadth of a veterinarian's role in animal welfare

Ethical question of the month, October 2025 Many veterinarians in Canada take an active role in promoting and improving animal welfare, especially when dealing with species in which they are subject matter experts. In…

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Contact

Peter Sandøe is professor in bioethics at the University of Copenhagen.

pes@sund.ku.dk

+45 35 33 30 59