Animal Welfare in Emerging Economies: Challenges and Progress

As economies develop, patterns of animal use evolve, presenting both opportunities and risks for animal welfare globally.

Key Facts

Rising incomes in developing economies are associated with increased meat consumption, raising animal welfare concerns at scale
China has the world's largest livestock sector and is developing animal welfare legislation for the first time
India has strong animal welfare legislation by regional standards but enforcement is variable
Brazil is the world's largest beef exporter with a complex welfare regulatory landscape
Several African nations have enacted animal welfare legislation modeled on international standards
International trade requirements are increasingly incorporating animal welfare standards as conditions of access

Welfare Considerations

The trajectory of animal welfare in emerging economies will determine the welfare of billions of animals over coming decades. Industrialization of livestock production in countries without welfare regulatory frameworks risks replicating the worst historical practices of Western intensive farming at enormous scale. Conversely, the opportunity to leapfrog to higher-welfare systems before factory farming becomes entrenched is real. International investment, trade conditions, and knowledge transfer all influence which path is taken.

What You Can Do

Support international animal welfare organizations working in developing economy contexts
Advocate for animal welfare standards in trade agreements as conditions of market access
Back local animal welfare organizations in developing countries building domestic capacity
Choose food products from supply chains with transparent global welfare monitoring
Engage with development organizations about including animal welfare in sustainable development frameworks