Welfare Science

Farm Animal Welfare International Comparison

Comparing farm animal welfare standards internationally reveals wide variation and identifies high-performing systems as models for improvement globally.

Key Facts

Nordic countries including Sweden, Denmark and Norway lead on minimum welfare standards for pigs and poultry
The EU sets higher minimum standards than most third countries but enforcement varies
New Zealand and Australia have progressive standards for some species but low standards for others
The US sets minimum federal standards far below EU equivalents in most areas
Global convergence on higher welfare standards requires trade policy and consumer market pressure

Welfare Considerations

International welfare standard comparison identifies both the gap between current and achievable standards and the economic models that demonstrate higher welfare is commercially viable.

What You Can Do

Support trade policy that requires equivalent welfare standards for imported animal products
Engage with international welfare organisations working on global standard convergence
Choose animal products from countries with demonstrably higher welfare standards where labelling allows