International animal welfare law and treaties provide frameworks for cross-border cooperation on welfare standards, though implementation and enforcement remain major challenges in the global governance of animal welfare.
International welfare law is essential because animal welfare abuses do not respect national borders. Animals transported across borders for live export, products traded internationally and species affected by global markets require governance at the international level. However, international welfare law is weaker than domestic law in most jurisdictions because it lacks direct enforcement mechanisms. The most effective international welfare governance operates through trade conditions — requiring trading partners to meet welfare standards as a condition of market access — rather than aspirational declarations. Post-Brexit, the UK has the opportunity to use trade agreements as welfare levers but must be vigilant against weakening import standards.