Armed conflict creates catastrophic welfare crises for both domestic and wild animals through direct injury, displacement, starvation, and collapse of veterinary and care infrastructure.
Armed conflict disrupts every system on which animal welfare depends: food supply chains, veterinary services, infrastructure, and the human attention that domestic animals require. Zoo animals trapped in facilities without food during sieges face starvation and psychological extremes. Working military animals experience direct combat trauma. Pets abandoned by fleeing civilians face starvation, exposure, and disease. Wildlife in conflict zones faces increased poaching as regulatory enforcement collapses and economic desperation drives illegal wildlife trade. Organizations like FOUR PAWS and international animal rescue networks provide critical welfare support in conflict contexts.