Economic analysis of animal welfare improvements reveals that many welfare investments have positive returns and that the cost of welfare progress is often overstated.
The argument that welfare improvements are economically unviable is frequently used to resist change but is often inaccurate. Health-related welfare improvements that reduce disease, mortality, and treatment costs can be positive net present value investments. Consumer willingness to pay premiums for certified welfare products has been demonstrated in multiple markets. The economic case for welfare improvement, where it exists, can accelerate adoption when paired with regulatory requirements.