66 Section 4
Section 4 of the One Welfare framework describes those activities involving
animals, humans and the environment that involve a need for support, re-
habilitation and managed animal rehoming programmes. It highlights and
encourages forms of such work that take into consideration the benefits for
all the parties involved.
At times, animals, humans and the environment are in need of inter-
ventions to support their well-being. While they are interdependent, each
element is independent of the others, and sometimes interventions can help
one while harming another. We should strive to prioritize interventions that
benefit all. Interventions can aim to address both the chance for life and the
chance for a better quality of life for the parties involved. With a growing
body of research supporting the benefits of human–animal interactions
(HAI) and the human–animal bond (HAB), assisted interventions involving
both humans and animals are increasing.
To date, interventions and research have had a strong focus on positive
impacts on humans with little investigation of potential positive or negative
impacts on animals or the environment. A literature review has reported that
some evidence is available on the impact of interventions in agricultural ani-
mals (Hosey and Melfi, 2014). It is important for research studies and interven-
tions to take a comprehensive approach, looking at the environmental impacts
of HAI, as well as the impacts of HAI and the HAB on animals. Section 4 aims
to reinforce the thinking that we should aim for assisted interventions that pro-
mote a mutual benefit for humans, animals and the environment.
4.1 Interactions Between Humans, Animals and the
Environment
The term ‘Green Care’ has been proposed as an inclusive term for many
‘complex interventions’ including care farming, therapeutic horticulture and
others that promote physical and mental health and well-being through inter-
actions between humans, animals and the environment (Sempik et al., 2010).
Although to date interventions seem to focus either on the benefits of inter-
actions between humans and the environment or the impact between humans
and animals, few interventions use a combination of all three. Information on
whether combined approaches would have greater beneficial impact on hu-
mans, animals and the environment is not yet available. There is scope to ex-
plore a One Welfare approach to Green Care that combines all these aspects.
Case Study 17 – Green Chimneys (by Green Chimneys, USA)Green Chimneys, a nonprofit education and human services agency based in
New York, USA, helps young people to maximize their potential by providing
residential, educational, clinical and recreational services in a safe and sup-
portive environment that nurtures connections with their families, the commu-
nity, animals and nature, using a One Welfare approach.Continued