Welfare Science

Pig Welfare and International Comparison

International comparison of pig welfare standards reveals wide variation that has implications for trade, consumer choice, and global welfare improvement.

Key Facts

EU pig welfare standards are among the most comprehensive in the world
US standards are largely industry self-regulated with significant state variation
Scandinavian countries lead on group housing and outdoor access requirements
Australian standards differ between states with ongoing reform processes
Chinese pig welfare standards are in early development with significant gaps

Welfare Considerations

International comparison of pig welfare standards illuminates what is possible when political will and regulatory ambition align with market demands for better welfare. High-standard jurisdictions demonstrate that welfare improvement is commercially viable.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for trade agreements that include welfare equivalence requirements
Advocate for international harmonization of minimum pig welfare standards upward
Engage food companies on their global welfare standards and compliance across jurisdictions