International Animal Welfare Law: Treaties, Standards, and Enforcement

International law on animal welfare is fragmented and largely non-binding, but treaties like CITES and regional agreements like the European Convention provide frameworks for improvement.

Key Facts

CITES regulates international trade in over 38,000 species of plants and animals but does not directly regulate welfare
The European Convention for the Protection of Animals during International Transport sets binding standards for EU member states
The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code includes extensive non-binding animal welfare guidelines
No global binding treaty on animal welfare equivalent to the Paris Agreement on climate exists
The Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Pet Animals is ratified by only 24 countries
Animal welfare advocates have called for a UN Framework Convention on Animal Welfare since the 2000s

Welfare Considerations

The absence of binding international animal welfare law allows regulatory arbitrage — production moves to lower-welfare jurisdictions while products are exported to markets with higher standards. A global framework convention on animal welfare, even if non-binding initially, would establish shared principles and create accountability mechanisms. Advocates should support calls for stronger international welfare governance alongside domestic reform.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns calling for a UN Framework Convention on Animal Welfare
Advocate for your country to ratify existing international animal welfare treaties
Engage with international welfare organisations including World Animal Protection on global policy
Support trade policy that includes animal welfare as a standard alongside environmental and labour standards
Follow international developments in animal welfare law and share updates with your advocacy network