Global Animal Welfare Progress and Priorities

An overview of where animal welfare has made the most progress globally and where the greatest welfare challenges remain.

Key Facts

More than 60 countries have enacted animal welfare legislation since 2000
Farm animal welfare reforms have progressed most in Europe, with gestation crate and battery cage bans
Wild animal suffering remains the least addressed category of animal welfare challenge
Aquatic animal welfare is the fastest-growing field due to scale of fish production globally
Effective altruism and welfare economics approaches are increasing the rigor of welfare prioritization

Welfare Considerations

Animal welfare progress has been substantial but uneven. Companion animal welfare has improved significantly in high-income countries through veterinary advances and owner education. Farm animal welfare reform has progressed through legislation and voluntary commitments in Europe and some other regions. The largest welfare challenges by numbers affected remain in aquatic animals, wild animal suffering, and farm animals in regions without strong welfare regulation. Prioritization frameworks that consider scale, tractability, and neglectedness are helping direct advocacy and research resources more effectively.

What You Can Do

Support effective animal welfare organizations that use evidence to maximize impact
Learn about the scale of different animal welfare challenges to guide your advocacy
Donate to organizations working on the most neglected and impactful welfare problems
Engage others in animal welfare conversations using clear evidence and compelling framing