The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) is the primary international mechanism for regulating wildlife trade, with direct implications for the welfare of millions of wild animals.
The wildlife trade causes immense welfare suffering at multiple stages. Wild capture using traps, nets, and poisons causes acute injury and high mortality - many species show mortality rates of 50-80% from capture to sale. Shipping conditions for live animals are frequently inadequate, causing stress, injury, and death from temperature extremes, oxygen deprivation, and crowding. Laundering of illegally caught wild animals through legal trade systems undermines welfare protections. CITES listing provides some protection but welfare standards during legal trade remain inconsistent. Welfare NGOs advocate for mandatory welfare standards throughout the supply chain.