Belief systems and human behaviour: the impact on animal welfare and opportunities for change

People's beliefs, attitudes and behaviours impact on the ways in which animals are cared for. Welfare issues relating to companion animals in the UK include the provision of inappropriate living environments, unsuitable diets, obesity, behavioural issues, diseases of old age and delayed euthanasia (Rioja‐Lang and others 2020). It is common for different views of animal health and welfare to arise within the veterinary setting. Ideas about the effect of current management practices on animal health, and whether or how these might be changed, can cause conflict between animal owners and vets. Veterinary teams can play an important role in supporting owners to improve their pet's health; however, at times this may feel challenging. This article outlines how beliefs relate to animal welfare and the veterinary setting. It also discusses the example of equine obesity and the role of vets and practice teams in supporting human behaviour change for the good of animal welfare.