Global Animal Welfare Law Reform: Progress and Gaps

Animal welfare legislation is becoming more comprehensive globally, but significant gaps remain in protection for farm animals, fish and invertebrates in most jurisdictions.

Key Facts

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has published welfare guidelines for major farmed species used by member countries
Only approximately 40 countries have comprehensive animal welfare legislation covering most kept animals
Many developing countries have limited or no meaningful animal welfare enforcement capacity even where laws exist
China enacted its first comprehensive animal welfare law for laboratory animals in 2021
Fish are not covered by welfare legislation in many countries that protect mammalian welfare

Welfare Considerations

Global animal welfare legislation is on a positive trajectory — more countries have welfare laws than a decade ago, and existing laws are strengthening in many jurisdictions. But the gaps are vast. Farm animal welfare legislation remains inadequate in most of the world. Fish welfare is unprotected in the majority of countries. Invertebrate welfare is recognized in legislation only in the UK. Enforcement capacity in many countries with welfare laws is minimal. The global food trade creates pressure for harmonization — products produced to low welfare standards in one country compete with higher-welfare products in others. International trade agreements with animal welfare clauses, and technical assistance for welfare capacity building, are needed alongside domestic reform.

What You Can Do

Support international animal welfare organizations including World Animal Protection working on global law reform
Advocate for UK trade policy to include animal welfare equivalence requirements in food trade agreements
Donate to capacity-building programs helping developing countries establish welfare enforcement systems
Engage with your government on the animal welfare implications of international trade agreements