International frameworks for animal welfare are developing but remain fragmented, creating regulatory disparities that complicate global welfare improvement.
Animal welfare governance at the international level is developing but faces significant challenges. The OIE has created non-binding welfare standards that provide reference points for national legislation and trade discussions. However, the lack of binding enforcement mechanisms means standards remain aspirational. Trade regulations can theoretically prevent imports of products from countries with lower welfare standards, but WTO rules create legal complexities. The EU has been most aggressive in using trade agreements to export welfare standards to trading partners. Growing international coordination creates gradual convergence toward higher standards but the pace remains much slower than the scale of the welfare problem demands.