Hi I'm
Dr Laura Dixon

I have been researching animal behaviour and welfare for over 20 years with a specialisation in poultry, including work on broilers, broiler breeders, layers and turkeys. Currently my main research focus involves assessing the importance of different resources and effects on poultry welfare and conducting welfare assessments of poultry. I work closely with broiler breeding companies and animal charities in the UK, USA and EU to assess the welfare of different breeds of broilers and their suitability for different production systems and food retail schemes.

I am a senior lecturer and am involved in teaching on BSc and MSc programmes, as well as PhD and MSc supervision. My current PhD students are investigating the effects of different types of walking equipment on dog gait and behaviour, and assessing behavioural and genetic factors of hunger in horses. I am also involved in the creation of new courses and programmes focusing on animal behaviour and welfare, and lecture to vet and vet nursing students to ensure they have an appropriate foundation in behaviour and welfare for their future careers. I have been an invited speaker on poultry welfare for both national and international events. I am also interested in research relating to pet rabbits and rescue/shelter dogs and have been involved in research on a variety of species, ranging from bears to sea lions.