Animal welfare is a scientific and moral framework focused on the quality of life of animals under human control. It operates under the pragmatic acceptance that humans will continue to use animals for food, research, work, and companionship. The goal, therefore, is to minimize suffering and ensure "humane" treatment.
But the conversation is evolving. The assumption that animals are unfeeling automatons has been scientifically shattered. As we move into a future of synthetic biology and environmental collapse, the question is no longer "Can they reason?" nor "Can they talk?" but rather, "Can they suffer?" Animal welfare is a scientific and moral framework