Welfare Science

Welfare Hotspots Mapping Global

Approaches to mapping global animal welfare hotspots to prioritise advocacy, research, and intervention resources.

Key Facts

Welfare hotspots are defined by the intersection of large animal numbers, poor welfare conditions, and limited oversight
Asia produces over half the world's farmed animals with highly variable welfare standards
Mapping hotspots requires integrating production data with welfare standard assessments
The World Animal Protection Animal Protection Index ranks countries on welfare legislation
Hotspot mapping can identify the highest-priority geographies for welfare investment

Welfare Considerations

Global welfare hotspot mapping is a strategic tool for directing limited advocacy and research resources to where they can achieve the greatest welfare impact. Combining data on animal populations, welfare standard enforcement, and regulatory frameworks identifies the geographies and production systems where the welfare burden is greatest and the opportunity for improvement is most significant.

What You Can Do

Support organisations conducting global welfare assessment and mapping
Engage with the World Animal Protection Animal Protection Index
Donate to animal welfare programmes targeted at global welfare hotspots