Welfare Science

Animal Welfare Progress Report 2026

A final assessment of global animal welfare progress in 2026, examining what has improved, what challenges remain, and what gives reason for hope as this period of welfare work concludes.

Key Facts

EU animal welfare legislative reform has advanced cage-free transition and species coverage
UK post-Brexit welfare commitments have been partially maintained with some divergence risks
Alternative proteins sector has grown with cultivated meat achieving further regulatory approvals
Wild animal welfare research has expanded with new institutions and funding
Corporate welfare commitments have grown but implementation gaps remain significant

Welfare Considerations

2026 animal welfare progress is real but insufficient given the scale of ongoing suffering. Billions of animals still live in poor welfare conditions while science, policy, and advocacy work to improve their lives. The movement is stronger, more evidence-based, and more strategically sophisticated than ever.

What You Can Do

Stay engaged with animal welfare progress and advocacy for the long term
Support effective organisations using evidence-based approaches for maximum welfare impact
Celebrate progress while maintaining urgency about the scale of remaining challenges