Livestock Welfare in Supply Chain Management

Multinational food companies are increasingly accountable for animal welfare throughout their supply chains, with auditing and reporting requirements driving industry-wide improvements.

Key Facts

Companies including Walmart, McDonald's, and Marks and Spencer have public animal welfare policies covering their supply chains
The Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare rates over 150 companies annually on welfare policy and practice
Supplier auditing by third parties provides verification that company welfare commitments are implemented
UK Modern Slavery Act requires large companies to report on supply chain risks including animal welfare failures
Consumer pressure through campaigns like the Better Chicken Commitment has driven corporate welfare policy adoption
Scope 3 emissions reporting requirements are creating spillover effects for animal welfare through sustainability frameworks

Welfare Considerations

Corporate supply chain welfare commitments, when backed by credible auditing and public reporting, create real improvements for farm animals across complex global supply chains. The Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare has demonstrated that transparency drives competition and continuous improvement among major companies. The challenge is ensuring that commitments translate into on-farm implementation rather than remaining as policy statements. Independent verification and public accountability are essential to welfare progress in corporate supply chains.

What You Can Do

Check the Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare rankings when choosing food brands
Advocate to your preferred food brands to adopt and publish animal welfare supply chain commitments
Support organizations that audit corporate welfare claims independently
Engage as a shareholder or consumer in corporate welfare campaigns that target specific companies
Back legislative requirements for supply chain welfare reporting in your jurisdiction