Towards an animal-centred ethics for Animal–Computer Interaction

Abstract

The emerging discipline of Animal-Computer Interaction (ACI) aims to take what in HCI is known as a user-centred approach to the design of technology intended for animals, placing them at the centre of the design process as stakeholders, users, and design contributors.However, current regulatory frameworks for the involvement of animals in research are not animal-centred, regarding them as research instruments, unable to consent to procedures that may harm them, rather than consenting research participants and design contributors. Such frameworks aim to minimise the impacts of research procedures on the welfare of individual animals, but this minimisation is subordinated to specific scientific and societal interests, and to the integrity of the procedures required to serve those interests. From this standpoint, the universally advocated principles of replacement, reduction and refinement aim to address the ethical conflicts arising from the assumed inability of individual animals to consent to potentially harmful procedures, but such principles in fact reflect a lack of individual centrality. This paper makes the case for moving beyond existing regulations and guidelines towards an animal-centred framework that can better support the development of ACI as a discipline.Firstly, recognising animal welfare as a fundamental requirement for users and research 2 participants alike, the paper articulates the implications of a welfare-centred ethics framework.Secondly, recognising consent as an essential requirement of participation, the paper also defines criteria for obtaining animals' mediated and contingent consent to engaging with research procedures. Further, the paper argues for the methodological necessity, as well as the ethical desirability, of such an animal-centred framework, examining the boundaries of its applicability as well as the benefits of its application. Finally, the paper puts forward a series of practical principles for conducting ACI research, which imply but also essentially exceed the welfare and ethics requirements of current regulatory frameworks.

The Role of Ethological Observation for Measuring Animal Reactions to Biotelemetry Devices

“…As well as receiving the approval of The Open University's Animal Welfare Ethical Review Body, the study presented here was conducted in accordance with recently proposed animal-centered ethical frameworks for ACI research [17]. This argues for the need to preserve the welfare and respect the autonomy of animals involved in research at all times, while recognizing the need to engage with real-world situation in which the autonomy and welfare of the animals may already be compromised ( [17], p. 229).…”

“…This argues for the need to preserve the welfare and respect the autonomy of animals involved in research at all times, while recognizing the need to engage with real-world situation in which the autonomy and welfare of the animals may already be compromised ( [17], p. 229). Unlike other felines, domestic cats (especially those living indoors) have a special relationship with their carers whereby their daily activities are limited or controlled.…”

“…These devices are sold as 'cat-friendly', presumably considered non-detrimental to the wearers' welfare. One aim of the study presented here was to test the hypothesis that even what may be considered 'cat-friendly' devices may in fact not be so and that better consideration has to be given to their design from the wearer's perspective ( [17], art. 3, par.…”

“…Although biotelemetry devices are habitually used on outdoor cats, indoor participants were chosen in this study, in order to ensure the highest standard of safety ( [17], art. 4, par.…”

Exploring Research through Design in Animal Computer Interaction

“…Yet we could strive to improve their existence. As Mancini [26] points out, some ACI researchers might be willing to engage with those systems in order to promote animal welfare.…”