Armed conflicts cause massive animal suffering, from companion animals separated from their owners to livestock abandoned without food and water. Coordinated humanitarian response for animals in conflict zones is developing.
Animal welfare in conflict zones is a neglected humanitarian issue. The suffering of companion animals, livestock, and zoo animals in war zones is enormous and receives minimal structured response compared to human humanitarian needs. Organizations like IFAW, World Animal Protection, and local veterinary associations work to respond but face enormous challenges of access, safety, and resources. Advancing conflict zone animal welfare response requires building it into humanitarian emergency protocols alongside human response.