Striving for incremental improvements
Completing the Mellorater will you to reflect on aspects of your animal’s life-world that are known to interact with and influence physical function and mental state. Each statement helps you think about the animal's perspective, and together, they remind you of the wide range of aspects that matter to animals in terms of their welfare.
A focus on the animal's experiences:
We know that when the conditions the animal is in are giving rise to negative experiences, and the animal cannot avoid or resolve them, they will be in a negative mental state and considered to be in poor (or compromised) welfare.
When the conditions the animal is in allow the animal to avoid or resolve any negative experiences as they arise, and they can engage in positive, rewarding experiences, they will tend to be in a positive mental state, which is considered good (or enhanced) welfare.
It is important to note that when animals cannot resolve negative experiences, these may intensify and become excruciating, debilitating, or chronic, affecting negatively their physical and mental states. When animals are in a negative mental state, they may be unable to engage in and benefit from positive experiences - even if these are available to them.
