Welfare Science

Pig Welfare and 21st Century Progress Summary

Taking stock of pig welfare progress in the 21st century reveals a mixed picture of genuine gains and persistent challenges.

Key Facts

Gestation stall restrictions in the EU and US have improved welfare for hundreds of millions of sows
Higher welfare market segments have grown significantly in high-income countries
Global pig production has intensified, particularly in Asia, potentially increasing overall welfare burden
Welfare science has advanced dramatically improving the evidence base for intervention
Consumer and investor awareness of pig welfare is at historically high levels

Welfare Considerations

The 21st century has delivered real pig welfare improvements in some regions while global intensification has potentially increased total suffering. Honest assessment of this complex picture is essential for directing future effort where it is most needed.

What You Can Do

Celebrate genuine welfare progress while maintaining urgency about what remains
Support organizations working at scale on the global pig welfare challenge
Engage with the complexity of global welfare progress rather than simple narratives