Data from: Rapid animal welfare assessment: an archaeological approach

The welfare of an individual depends on its capacity to overcome suboptimal conditions in its environment, otherwise its physical and psychological health becomes compromised. A situation that clearly indicates lack of control of the environment is the expression of abnormal behaviours, such as stereotypies. This study aimed to verify the well-being of police horses, using a new rapid form of welfare assessment: an archaeological approach. To this end, we sampled and quantified marks found on the stables, deposited as a result of abnormal behaviour. We cross-referenced these physical marks with veterinary records of diseases, such as colic, known to be associated with stress. A total of 46 horses were sampled and the results showed a significant medium strength, positive correlation between bite marks frequency on stable doors and the incidence of colic. A weak significant positive correlation was found between scratch marks (from pawing) and incidences of lameness. These marks result from the accumulated expression of abnormal behaviour and gave a rapid insight into the welfare of their creator.