Welfare Science

Animal Welfare in Trade Agreements Advanced

International trade agreements can either undermine or advance animal welfare standards depending on their design, enforcement, and political commitment of trading partners.

Key Facts

EU trade agreements increasingly include animal welfare chapters or references
WTO rules prevent import bans solely on animal welfare grounds without scientific basis
Trade agreements can level the playing field, preventing imports from lower-welfare systems
UK post-Brexit trade policy faces pressure to maintain or raise welfare import standards
Civil society coalitions are increasingly engaged in trade agreement welfare provisions

Welfare Considerations

Trade policy is one of the most powerful but underutilised levers for international animal welfare reform; welfare standards without import equivalency requirements create perverse incentives.

What You Can Do

Engage with trade policy consultations on animal welfare provisions
Support organisations advocating for welfare in trade agreements
Write to your representatives about welfare import standards