Welfare Science

Animal Welfare Movement History and Future

A historical perspective on the animal welfare movement and projections for its future trajectory.

Key Facts

The first animal welfare legislation was the UK Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835
The modern animal welfare movement grew significantly in the 1960s and 1970s
Peter Singer's Animal Liberation (1975) galvanised academic and activist communities
Farmed animal advocacy became the dominant focus from the 1990s onward
Technology and effective altruism are reshaping animal welfare strategy today

Welfare Considerations

Understanding the history and trajectory of animal welfare enables strategic thinking about where effort will have the greatest impact in coming decades.

What You Can Do

Learn about animal welfare movement history through organisations like the RSPCA
Support strategic animal welfare organisations focused on systems change
Stay engaged with the movement over the long term as change is a multigenerational project