The philosophy of animal welfare implies that humans have the power or right over animals, and are therefore responsible for their well-being. The concept of 'animal well-being' accounts for an animal's stress, suffering, physical health and behavioural needs. However, this dominion that humans possess over animals has provoked conflicted attitudes toward the practice of pet tattooing; although people assert that tattooing animals can evoke harm and pain upon the animal, others believe that it is within their rights as an owner. This 'dominion over animals' is a Judeo-Christian concept, and explains the complex relationship between humankind and animals. The major world religions have therefore had great impact on societal attitudes toward the treatment of animals, where non-violence to all living creatures is a commonly shared philosophy among the majority of major religions.
