Better data on animal welfare outcomes would enable more effective advocacy, policy, and consumer choice. Current data collection is inadequate and inconsistent across sectors.
You cannot improve what you do not measure. The inadequacy of animal welfare data in the UK and globally means that welfare problems often persist undetected and advocacy lacks the evidence base it needs. Slaughterhouse welfare data is collected but rarely published at farm level. Farm audit data stays within certification bodies. Wild animal welfare incidents are fragmented across different agencies. A national animal welfare monitoring framework - similar to public health monitoring - would identify priority problems, track improvement, and hold industries accountable. Data transparency enables consumers, advocates, and policymakers to make evidence-based decisions.