Welfare Policy

Welfare of Animals During Military Operations

Military operations cause significant animal welfare harm through direct casualties, displacement, habitat destruction, and disruption to veterinary services.

Key Facts

Military activity causes massive wildlife displacement in conflict zones
Livestock are frequently killed, stolen, or abandoned during military operations
Landmines and unexploded ordnance injure and kill animals for decades after conflicts end
The International Committee of the Red Cross has no mandate covering animal welfare
Some military programs use horses, dogs, and other animals creating direct welfare obligations

Welfare Considerations

War creates welfare emergencies for animals that receive virtually no international attention. Wild animals displaced by conflict, livestock lost by farmers, and service animals abandoned in retreats all represent preventable suffering that deserves policy attention.

What You Can Do

Support World Animal Protection's work on animals in disasters and conflict
Advocate for demining programs that include wildlife impact assessments
Donate to veterinary programs operating in conflict-affected regions
Support inclusion of animal welfare considerations in international humanitarian law discussions