International animal welfare standards are only as effective as their implementation. A new analysis from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) looks at how its Members are putting animal welfare standards into practice, and the findings point to significant room for progress.

WOAH’s international animal welfare standards are set out in Section 7 of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code, covering areas including animal welfare during transport and slaughter. The Aquatic Animal Health Code also includes standards for the welfare of farmed fish.

Among 35 Members evaluated through Performance of Veterinary Services assessments between 2017 and 2023, only 20% had national veterinary legislation covering most of Section 7 of the WOAH standards. The remaining 80% were assessed as having no or limited national legislation relevant to these animal welfare standards.

The picture is more varied when looking at regulations registered in FAOLEX. Between 2005 and 2023, 75 Members registered 353 regulations that may relate to WOAH animal welfare standards. Around 70% of these originated from Members in Europe.

So where should countries focus? WOAH recommends prioritising topics and standards related to animal welfare, including slaughter, transport, research and stray dog population management, for inclusion in national legislation or regulation.

The analysis is part of WOAH’s Observatory monitoring work, alongside a thematic study on animal welfare during transport by land and sea. For those working on animal welfare policy, legislation and enforcement, it offers a useful look at where international standards are being taken up and where gaps remain.

Read more about WOAH’s work towards better animal welfare.