Welfare Science

Farm Animal Welfare Progress - Reasons for Hope

Despite persistent challenges, meaningful farm animal welfare progress has been achieved in the 21st century, providing evidence-based grounds for continued commitment.

Key Facts

The EU battery cage ban improved the lives of hundreds of millions of laying hens
Corporate cage-free commitments in the US and Europe cover billions of eggs annually
Antibiotic use in livestock fell 35% in the EU between 2011 and 2020
Consumer awareness of farm animal welfare has increased substantially in Western markets
Precision livestock technology is creating new tools for welfare monitoring and improvement

Welfare Considerations

Progress in farm animal welfare is real and measurable. Understanding what has worked and why provides a foundation for more ambitious and strategic action in the coming decades.

What You Can Do

Support organisations that have track records of achieving measurable welfare improvement
Share evidence of welfare progress to build momentum and inspire continued action
Engage with debates about the most effective future strategies for farm animal welfare improvement