27 - Introduction To Agency With Dr. Emily Tronetti
Aug 15, 2024
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Dr. Emily Tronetti, a passionate contributor to The Open Sanctuary Project and expert in humane education and animal behavior, joins the conversation. They delve into the vital concept of agency for farmed animals, stressing the importance of recognizing their ability to make choices. With practical ways to foster agency in sanctuaries, Tronetti highlights the significance of consent in human-animal interactions. The discussion also covers tailored sanctuary practices that enhance animal well-being and encourages reflection on improving agency for sanctuary residents.
Recognizing farmed animal agency is crucial for improving their emotional and physical well-being by allowing them to make choices in their environment.
Implementing consent-based interactions and adapting living spaces help foster an environment that respects and nurtures the autonomy of sanctuary residents.
Deep dives
Understanding Farmed Animal Agency
Agency refers to the capacity of living beings to engage with their environment and make choices based on their preferences and needs. Farmed animals express their agency through various behaviors, such as social interactions or seeking comfort. Recognizing and supporting this agency is essential for fostering the emotional and physical well-being of animals in sanctuaries. When animal agency is acknowledged, it not only enhances their quality of life but also emphasizes the responsibility of caregivers to respect and nurture these expressions of autonomy.
The Importance of Well-Being
Well-being encompasses physical and emotional health, and its pursuit is fundamental for all animals, including farmed species. Suppression of agency can lead to an increased risk of negative emotional states such as fear, anxiety, and depression, ultimately compromising their overall well-being. Caregivers must recognize that their actions, such as enforced treatments or interactions, can diminish the sense of security animals feel, especially those with prior trauma. Ensuring that animals retain a measure of control over their environment is crucial to mitigating these adverse effects.
Implementing Agency-Centered Practices
Sanctuaries can enhance agency by fostering consent-based interactions, allowing animals to dictate the nature and pace of their engagements. For instance, caregivers should provide the opportunity for residents to approach them rather than forcing interactions, ensuring that animals feel safe and respected. Moreover, evaluating and adapting living spaces to reflect the individual needs and desires of residents is vital for maintaining their agency. Establishing decision-making processes that include both caregivers and the animals themselves can lead to a nurturing environment that supports their agency and well-being.
In this episode of The Open Sanctuary Podcast, Community Education Specialist Andie Springirth is joined by special guest and Open Sanctuary Project contributor Dr. Emily Tronetti to discuss farmed animal agency and how to start centering it at your sanctuary to improve the overall health and well-being of the residents. In addition to exploring what agency is and why it’s so important, this episode highlights some practical agency-centered practices that sanctuaries can implement right now.
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This Episode’s Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources: