Farm animals can play a valuable role in the lives of children and adults with psychological problems or a mental handicap. Social care farms and childrens farms can improve the quality of their life, as shown by interviews with counselors and managers of childrens farms and social care farmers. The interviews were conducted by researchers from Plant Research International, as commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries. The research findings have been published in the report "The significance of farm animals in the care sector".
In the non-medical environment of a farm, animals seem to be particularly suitable for providing the mentally handicapped and psychologically disturbed with sufficient challenges and security, enabling them to develop further. Animals are familiar and they ask for care and attention. Due to the direct impulses received by clients, the therapeutic value of contact with animals appears to be greater than that of any other means of therapy.
"The significance of farm animals in the care sector" was presentedat the "Animals in the Care Sector" congress, recently held in Utrecht, The Netherlands. By means of numerous examples, the report illustrates how working with animals is appropriate for the goals and potentials of the clients. The "farmer" seems to be an important link in the relationship between animal and client.
During the interviews, social care farmers and childrens farm managers pointed out that animal welfare must be addressed for this situation too. The prevention of accidents and transmission of animal diseases to humans are two other important aspects to be considered. Fortunately, these aspects have proven to cause hardly any problems in practice.
Due to their specific objectives, both childrens and social care farms must keep a variety of animals and allow for ample contact between these and the clients. Social care farmers have pointed out the need for an amendment in legislation if this is to be secured for the future.
Until now, the therapeutic potential presented by farm animals has hardly been tapped, partly due to a lack of research. The Wageningen UR/Plant Research International report describes the experience of professionals in the care sector, giving an insight into the possible effects of using farm animals. Further research will provide the basis for a broader therapeutic use of animals and for a better fine tuning between the clients needs and the possibilities offered by the different animals.
Plant Research International, part of Wageningen UR, is conducting the research into the therapeutic value of farm animals in the context of research on the future of cattle farming systems. Its objective is to determine whether farm animals are entitled to a proper place in the care sector.
Press representatives may request a free copy of this report (available inDutch only) from the Department of Public Relations and Information of Plant Research International.
All other interested parties may place their orders with the author, Jan Hassink, tel. +31 (0)317 47 59 62.
List of press releases for 2002