Welfare Science

Welfare Legislation International Gaps

International variation in animal welfare legislation creates trade disparities and opportunities for welfare arbitrage, with animals suffering differently depending on their country of birth.

Key Facts

Fewer than 20% of countries have comprehensive animal welfare legislation
The WTO restricts trade barriers based on welfare standards
The OIE (WOAH) sets international animal welfare guidelines without enforcement power
The EU has some of the world's strongest farm animal welfare legislation
Import of products from lower-welfare systems undercuts domestic high-welfare producers

Welfare Considerations

International welfare legislation gaps allow welfare costs to be exported through trade, undermining domestic welfare improvements and creating global welfare problems. International frameworks for welfare standards in trade are urgently needed to prevent a race to the bottom.

What You Can Do

Support trade agreements that include welfare standards as legitimate measures
Advocate for WOAH (OIE) guideline strengthening and enforcement
Engage with import welfare equivalence requirements in your country
Support organisations campaigning for international welfare legislation
Learn about the welfare standards applicable to food imports you purchase