How researchers and organizations measure global progress on animal welfare, and what key indicators reveal about trends across species and countries.
Measuring global animal welfare progress is essential for directing resources effectively and maintaining accountability for stated commitments. Current indicators reveal a mixed picture: significant legislative progress in high-income countries, growing corporate commitment on specific issues like cage-free eggs, but a persistent and worsening global trend toward intensification of animal agriculture. Aquatic animals represent the largest unaddressed welfare population. Evidence-based advocacy that targets high-impact interventions and tracks outcomes rigorously is the most effective approach for maximizing welfare improvement per unit of effort.