Welfare Science

Pig Welfare and Global Progress

Global progress on pig welfare is uneven requiring a worldwide perspective to assess effectively.

Key Facts

EU welfare regulations have improved standards for hundreds of millions of pigs
Asian pig production - the world's largest by volume - has intensified rapidly
China alone produces approximately 50% of the world's pigs with largely unregulated welfare
International organizations including FAO are beginning to address welfare in global livestock systems
Consumer demand in China for higher welfare products is emerging as income levels rise

Welfare Considerations

Pig welfare progress cannot be declared globally when improvements in some regions are matched by deterioration in others. A worldwide perspective addressing the largest populations of pigs wherever they are kept is essential for meaningful global welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Support international animal welfare organizations working in Asia and the Global South
Advocate for welfare considerations in international trade agreements
Engage food companies with global supply chains on their worldwide welfare commitments