Role of Agency and Control in Domestic Animals and Impact of Human Interaction on Welfare and Behaviour

Abstract

Animal welfare thinking has been transformed towards a paradigm shift in thinking where it no longer remains on the alleviation of suffering, but rather goes into active enhancement of positive affective states by agency and control of the environment. This study researches and discusses a severe issue of limited autonomy in controlled settings. The study combines the Five Domains Model with recent developments in the field of human-animal-computer interaction (HACI) to determine the role of self-determination in psychological resilience using a multidisciplinary methodology. The findings suggest that the capacity to exercise choice, both in straightforward environmental adaptation processes and complicated interactions with other people, is one of the primary defenses against chronic stress and learned helplessness. Moreover, the results of the research demonstrate that the quality of human interaction is a two-sided sword: on one hand, positive reinforcement helps to implement the manifestation of natural agency, on the other, high-frequency and non-contingent human presence is a major behavioral pressure factor. The Agency-Control Nexus is discussed, and it is shown that the domestic animals, which have access to functional control, show a greater level of cognitive engagement and a lesser number of stereotypical behaviours. To sum up, the paper concludes by stating that modern husbandry is not only ethically but scientifically necessary to integrate the agency-based frameworks. The findings offer a blueprint to policymakers and practitioners to leave the traditional confinement models behind and choose rich conditions. In the finality, the study adds to the knowledge on the interdependencies between animals and their environment by revealing that real welfare is only attained when animals are given a chance to play an active role in their lives.