Welfare Science

Pig Welfare and Legacy of Change

Reflecting on decades of pig welfare advocacy and the cumulative progress toward better lives for farm animals.

Key Facts

Gestation crate bans in the EU, UK, and many US states have improved welfare for millions of sows
Consumer campaigns have driven corporate commitments to higher welfare sourcing
The concept of a welfare state for animals - positive welfare not just absence of harm - is gaining traction
Welfare science has transformed from fringe concern to mainstream agricultural consideration
Young people are driving increased consumer demand for welfare-assured products

Welfare Considerations

Pig welfare advocacy has achieved real, meaningful improvements over decades of persistent effort. The challenge is ensuring this progress continues and accelerates. Each welfare improvement builds a foundation for the next, creating cumulative change that benefits generations of animals.

What You Can Do

Celebrate and publicize welfare progress to show that change is possible
Support the next generation of welfare advocates through mentoring and funding
Maintain long-term engagement with welfare issues beyond single-campaign moments