Professor Mason receives her award from BSAS Vice President Richard Dewhurst.

Research has implications for millions of animals

A British scientist has scooped a top award for her 'outstanding' research into how captivity impacts the welfare of animals.

Professor Georgia Mason received the RSPCA/BSAS Award for Innovative Developments in Animal Welfare for her work across a range of sectors.

Richard Dewhurst president of the BSAS (British Society of Animal Science), said: “Georgia has made an outstanding contribution to research on the impact of captivity on animal welfare across a range of sectors, from in depth investigations of animal behaviour to validating new welfare measures.”

He adds: "Her innovative work has led to a better understanding and measurement of animal welfare and welfare improvements, making her a worthy winner of this year's award.”
 
Professor Mason studies how animals cope with captive housing conditions. In particular, she looks at conditions that meet their psychological needs but are too small or monotonous to allow their natural behaviour.

She also refined preference testing to shed light on what animals want and pioneered the application of 'comparative methods' to animal welfare. This reveals which species-level characteristics may be potential risk/protective factors for poor well-being in captivity.

On collecting her award, Prof. Mason said: "I am thrilled and honoured to receive this award. I would like to thank all the brilliant graduate students and post-docs I have conducted research with."

The RSPCA say that her work has implications for millions of animals kept in zoos, on farms, as pets and in research and testing establishments.

Image (C) RSPCA