Welfare Science

Animal Welfare in Conflict Zones

Armed conflicts create major animal welfare crises affecting domestic animals, livestock, and wildlife, with dedicated organisations working in increasingly dangerous conditions to respond.

Key Facts

Animals are often abandoned or killed in conflict evacuations due to access restrictions
Livestock represent livelihoods that are destroyed by conflict alongside welfare suffering
Wildlife protected areas may be overrun or used as military bases in conflict
Organisations including Four Paws and IFAW operate in conflict zones for animal welfare
Mine-clearance animals including dogs and rats face significant welfare risks

Welfare Considerations

Conflict zone animal welfare requires dedicated organisations willing to operate in dangerous conditions, diplomatic engagement for access, and emergency veterinary capacity. Post-conflict animal welfare recovery is essential for community livelihood restoration.

What You Can Do

Support Four Paws, IFAW and other organisations providing conflict zone animal welfare response
Advocate for animal welfare to be included in humanitarian response frameworks
Donate specifically to conflict zone animal welfare responses when emergencies occur