Animal Welfare in the Global South

The majority of farmed and working animals live in lower-income countries where welfare infrastructure is least developed but where need and potential impact are greatest.

Key Facts

Over 90% of the world's farmed animals live in Asia, Africa, and Latin America
Working animal populations of horses, donkeys, and mules are concentrated in lower-income countries
Welfare legislation in most lower-income countries is limited and poorly enforced
International development programmes are increasingly incorporating animal welfare alongside food security goals

Welfare Considerations

Global animal welfare improvement requires disproportionate attention to lower-income countries where the majority of animals live, welfare standards are lowest, and suffering is most acute. Working animals including horses, donkeys, and mules in rural economies often suffer from overwork, inadequate nutrition, and untreated injuries. Farmed animal intensification in Asia is proceeding at unprecedented speed with minimal welfare infrastructure. Effective interventions include training livestock owners, developing appropriate veterinary access, and incorporating welfare into food system development programmes.

What You Can Do

Support organisations working directly on animal welfare in lower-income countries
Advocate for animal welfare to be included in international development goals and funding
Choose products from certified supply chains with global welfare standards
Support veterinary capacity building programmes in lower-income countries