Policy

National Animal Welfare Policy Frameworks

National welfare policy frameworks shape how animal welfare is protected across all sectors in a given jurisdiction.

Key Facts

The UK Animal Welfare Act 2006 is the primary welfare legislation for vertebrates in England and Wales
Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate but similar primary welfare legislation
The EU Lisbon Treaty recognises animals as sentient beings with implications for all EU policy
Post-Brexit UK has developed the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 creating a new committee
Government action plans for animal welfare have been produced but implementation varies

Welfare Considerations

National welfare policy frameworks determine the legal baseline for animal protection across millions of animals. Strong frameworks with adequate enforcement, science-based standards, and genuine political commitment can deliver transformative welfare improvements at scale. Engaging with national policy processes is one of the most impactful things welfare advocates can do.

What You Can Do

Monitor and engage with national welfare policy consultations
Contact your elected representatives about animal welfare policy priorities
Support organisations that advocate for strong national welfare policy
Hold governments accountable to existing welfare commitments and action plans
Share welfare policy developments with your networks to build public engagement