View at 67% Zoom for the best experience
COMPUTER SCIENCE IN ANIMAL WELFARE
Through the use of software embedded into technological wearables that detect postures (sitting, standing, lying down), frequency of food consumption and general activity, we are able to better understand how animals feel. This evidence to support the fact that animals are capable of feeling emotions like we are is useful information in spurring the animal rights movement, and we should harness the data provided to ensure animals' well-being and happiness.
How does it work?
There are numerous kinds of wearables that exchange different sets of data.
For example, a wearable motion sensor around a dog's collar can detect the level of activity the dog does in a day. The embedded software can have upper and lower bounds for the number of minutes of activity the dog should be engaging in. If the minutes are either too high or too low, a signal can be sent to the owner's phone notifying them.
​
Other forms of wearables include sensors for heart rate, respiratory rate and vital signs.
Why is it important?
This technology is becoming more popular by the day, as understanding animal behavior and emotion is desired information for pet owners and farmers.
​
Firstly, ensuring that all animals, whether in farms or domesticated, are healthy and happy should be a basic ethical priority for farmers and pet owners.
​
Secondly, showing that animals are capable of feeling emotions is useful in arguing in favor of animal rights and against practices that involve suffering, like confinement.