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‘Animal Ethics Dilemma’: an interactive learning tool for university and professional training

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 January 2023

AJ Hanlon ,
A Algers ,
T Dich ,
T Hansen ,
H Loor  and
P Sandøe
AJ Hanlon*
Affiliation:
School of Agriculture, Food Science & Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Veterinary Sciences Centre, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
A Algers
Affiliation:
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Department of Food Science, PO Box 234, SE-532 23 Skara, Sweden
T Dich
Affiliation:
Institute of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 25, DK-1958 Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
T Hansen
Affiliation:
Institute of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 25, DK-1958 Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
H Loor
Affiliation:
imCode Partners AB, Skeppsbron 24, 21 57 Visby, Gotland, Sweden
P Sandøe
Affiliation:
Institute of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 25, DK-1958 Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
*
* Correspondence: alison.hanlon@ucd.ie
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Abstract

‘Animal Ethics Dilemma’ is a freely available computer-supported learning tool (www.animalethicsdilemma.net or www.aedilemma.net) which has been developed primarily for veterinary undergraduates but is applicable also to students in other fields of animal science. The objectives of the computer program are to promote students' understanding of the ethics related to animal use, to illustrate ethical dilemmas that arise in animal use, to broaden students' moral imagination, and to enable students to differentiate between types of ethical argument. The program comprises five case studies: (1) the blind hens; (2) ANDi the genetically modified monkey; (3) euthanasia of a healthy dog; (4) animal slaughter; and (5) rehabilitation of seals. Special consideration has been given to enhancing the pedagogic value of the program. Students can control their learning by selecting a variety of ways to explore the program; for example, they can navigate the program using the ‘Assist Me’ option, which explains the basis of the ethical arguments. Reality text provides details of real events on which the case is based, and a glossary of terminology is available for the students to explore. Selected access to a case template is also available, enabling students and teachers to create their own case studies. Evaluation of the program has been ongoing during its development.

Keywords

animal ethicsanimal welfaree-learningteachingveterinary curriculum
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Welfare , Volume 16 , Issue S1: Quality of Life: the heart of the matter: Proceedings of the UFAW/BVA Ethics Committee International Symposium, The Royal Society, London, 13-14 September 2006. , May 2007 , pp. 155 - 158
Copyright
© 2007 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

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