Farm Animals

Pig Welfare: International Standards Comparison

A comparative analysis of pig welfare standards across major producing countries reveals dramatic differences in legal protections and production conditions.

Key Facts

EU pig welfare standards are among the most comprehensive globally, though gaps remain
US federal welfare legislation for pigs on farms is minimal, with standards set by individual states
Canada and Australia have national welfare codes that fall between EU and US standards
China is the world's largest pig producer with welfare regulations that are developing but inconsistently enforced

Welfare Considerations

The global variation in pig welfare standards creates welfare inequalities and trade distortions. Import regulations that require welfare equivalence for livestock products would reduce the competitive disadvantage faced by higher-welfare producers and incentivise global standards improvement.

What You Can Do

Support import welfare equivalence policies for livestock products
Engage with international welfare organisations advocating for global standards improvement
Advocate for trade agreements to include binding animal welfare commitments