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Policies & Advocacy

Animal Welfare Legislation

Laws and legislation are tools which provide societies with norms that regulate behaviour. They both reflect and shape the moral standards of societies. Animal Welfare legislation regulates how animals are treated and cared for. Historically, animal welfare legis- lation has served to protect animals from abuse and mistreatment, but more recently it has begun to consider positive states of welfare, even declaring that animals have rights as sentient beings. 

However, many countries still have lacking or outdated laws regarding animal protection. They therefore lack one of the vital pillars needed to improve animal welfare. Improving the status of animal welfare depends on solid and up to date legislation, together with its appropriate implementation and education. 

Developing and improving comprehensive animal welfare legislation is crucial if the quality of life of animals is to improve. Furthermore, this legislation should be up to date with developments in animal science, and should be implemented alongside animal welfare education at all levels in societies, in order to raise awareness of the positive impact it has for humans and the environment.


World Animal Net

The global network of animal protection societies (now World Federation for Animals) provides valuable resources on animal legislation and a Model Animal Welfare Law, to guide policy makers worldwide.

Animal welfare legislation resources
worldanimal.net/wan-resources/animal-protection-law-resources 

Model Animal Welfare Act: A comprehensive Framework
worldanimal.net/images/stories/documents/Model_AWA/Updated/MAWA_PDF_Complete.pdf


Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)

The United Nations specialized agency reviews the legislative framework for animal welfare, providing options for policy-makers and legal drafters. 
openknowledge.fao.org/items/61759438-8590-40c1-a52b-9ea14d7729a6  


Global Animal Law

The specialized association on animal welfare law provides a database of legislation resources at every level in the world.
www.globalanimallaw.org/database/index.html 


World Animal Protection

The renowned organization developed a ranking of 50 countries around the globe according to their legislation and policy commitments to protecting animals called the Animal Protection Index. 
api.worldanimalprotection.org/