Welfare Science

Pig Welfare and Welfare and Institutional Change

Institutional change - changing the rules, norms, and structures that govern pig farming - is essential for durable, large-scale welfare improvement.

Key Facts

EU welfare legislation has transformed pig farming across 27 member states since 1991
Corporate procurement policies have driven welfare improvements without legislation in many markets
Industry codes of practice create voluntary norms that become industry standards over time
Financial instruments including ESG investment and insurance are creating institutional welfare incentives
International organisations including OIE are setting global welfare standards for pig farming

Welfare Considerations

Institutional change creates welfare improvements that persist regardless of individual motivation. Systemic welfare reform through legislation, norms, and financial incentives is the most durable path to improvement.

What You Can Do

Engage with legislative consultations on animal welfare regulations
Support institutional approaches to welfare including ESG standards
Advocate for OIE welfare standards adoption in your national legislation