Animal welfare legislation is evolving globally. Understanding current law, gaps, and reform opportunities helps advocates support effective change.
UK animal welfare law has significant gaps. Farm animals have weaker protection than companion animals in practice. Wild animals are protected by conservation legislation primarily, not welfare law. Sentience-based rights remain underdeveloped. Enforcement capacity has been reduced in recent years. Internationally, the majority of farm animals globally are in countries with no meaningful welfare legislation. Reform opportunities exist at national level through strengthened enforcement, at EU level through the Farm to Fork strategy, and internationally through OIE standards that more countries could adopt.