Welfare Science

Animal Welfare Open Data Transparency Advanced

Open data initiatives in animal welfare allow researchers, advocates, and policymakers to access standardised welfare information for evidence-based decision-making.

Key Facts

Most national farm welfare data is not publicly accessible, limiting accountability
Open data would allow comparison of welfare outcomes across farms, regions, and countries
Footpad data, mortality rates, and antibiotic use are examples of welfare-relevant open data
GDPR and commercial confidentiality concerns are often cited against open welfare data
Pilot open data schemes in the Netherlands and Denmark show feasibility and public interest

Welfare Considerations

Open animal welfare data is a public good; transparency enables accountability, accelerates research, and empowers consumers, advocates, and policymakers to act on evidence.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for mandatory open animal welfare data reporting
Use and cite open welfare datasets in research and advocacy
Advocate for national welfare data registries accessible to researchers