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

Responding to questions on treatment for post-operative pain

Ethical question of the month - August 2025 You are a companion animal practitioner who is performing an intake examination on a senior dog. You work in a small community, and the owner is moving the animal to your care…

Ethicists' commentary on decision-making in response to vaccination reactions and veterinarians taking leave

Ethical question of the month, July 2025. You are a solo practitioner and have a show horse patient that experienced a severe and ongoing reaction to a routine vaccination.

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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