Welfare Science

Animal Welfare Reasons for Hope 2026

Despite the scale of animal suffering globally, 2026 brings genuine reasons for welfare optimism. Understanding progress motivates continued action.

Key Facts

Cage-free egg commitments now cover billions of hens in company supply chains
FIP antiviral treatment has made a previously fatal cat disease curable
Fish sentience is now recognized in UK legislation
Farrowing crate bans are being implemented in multiple EU countries
Insect welfare science is establishing precautionary standards for an enormous scale of animals

Welfare Considerations

The scope of animal suffering can make welfare work feel overwhelming. But concrete progress in 2026 - cage-free transitions for billions of hens, curable FIP in cats, fish sentience legislation, farrowing crate reform - demonstrates that welfare improvement is achievable at scale. Each advance was built through evidence, advocacy, and the sustained effort of welfare scientists and campaigners. This progress is the foundation for continued ambition.

What You Can Do

Learn about and share welfare progress stories to inspire action
Support organizations with track records of achievable welfare improvements
Apply evidence about effective advocacy to your own welfare actions
Maintain long-term commitment to welfare improvement with progress as fuel