biostudies-literatureUnknown34Otani YThe World Organisation for Animal Health describes animal welfare as a "<i>complex and multi-faceted subject with scientific, ethical, economic, cultural, social, religious and political dimensions.</i>" In this study, an online survey in English and Japanese was developed based on the Five Freedoms, with the aim of investigating attitudes of veterinarians and behaviour/welfare scientists in the United Kingdom (UK) and Japan toward management of companion, farmed, experimental, zoo and wildlife animals. Respondents from the UK (n = 212) were more familiar with the Five Freedoms than those from Japan (n = 321) but both countries tended to prioritise 'survival-related' attributes (health and nutrition) over 'situation-related' attributes (behaviour) and the environmental impacts (discomfort)Animal welfare (South Mimms, England)e55https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12451389biostudies-literatureCross-cultural variation in understanding of animal welfare principles and animal management practices among veterinary and animal welfare professionals in the UK and Japan.PMC12451389Kato HDwyer CMOtani YKanamori MfalseCross-cultural variation in understanding of animal welfare principles and animal management practices among veterinary and animal welfare professionals in the UK and Japan.The World Organisation for Animal Health describes animal welfare as a "<i>complex and multi-faceted subject with scientific, ethical, economic, cultural, social, religious and political dimensions.</i>" In this study, an online survey in English and Japanese was developed based on the Five Freedoms, with the aim of investigating attitudes of veterinarians and behaviour/welfare scientists in the United Kingdom (UK) and Japan toward management of companion, farmed, experimental, zoo and wildlife animals. Respondents from the UK (n = 212) were more familiar with the Five Freedoms than those from Japan (n = 321) but both countries tended to prioritise 'survival-related' attributes (health and nutrition) over 'situation-related' attributes (behaviour) and the environmental impacts (discomfort)2025-01-01T00:00:00Z20252026-06-03T19:16:57.893Z2026-04-30T03:11:32.707ZS-EPMC124513894098886910.1017/awf.2025.10026