Animal welfare institutions and their role and impact: Globally and In India
Dr. Preeti Verma1 and Dr. Maneesh Jatav2
- Assistant Professor, Animal Husbandry Diploma College, NDVSU Jabalpur
- Assistant Professor, CoVSc. & AH., NDVSU Jabalpur
Abstract
Animals have always played an important role in human civilization, contributing to agriculture, food production, transportation, scientific research, ecological balance and socioeconomic development. In countries like India, livestock is an integral component of rural livelihoods and provides economic security to millions of farming families. However, increasing dependence on animals has also raised concerns regarding their health, nutrition, housing, protection and overall well-being. Animal welfare is no longer restricted to preventing cruelty; rather, it encompasses the physical and mental health of animals, their ability to express natural behaviour, protection from diseases and provision of suitable living conditions. Several international organizations, including the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), World Veterinary Association (WVA), World Animal Protection and FOUR PAWS, are actively contributing to the development and promotion of animal welfare standards worldwide. In India, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA) and various animal protection organizations, contributing to animal health and welfare. The present article reviews the major institutions working towards animal welfare at global and national levels, with particular emphasis on their roles, activities and contributions. It also discusses the existing challenges and future opportunities for strengthening institutional collaboration and promoting a more scientific, humane and sustainable approach to animal welfare.
Keywords: Animal Welfare, Animal Protection, WOAH, AWBI.
- Introduction: The relationship between humans and animals’ dates back thousands of years. Since the beginning of human civilization, animals have played an essential role not only in economic development but also in social, cultural and emotional life. In rural India, livestock such as cattle, buffaloes, goats and sheep form an important part of household economies. Similarly, companion animals, particularly dogs and cats, have become an integral part of many families, while wildlife plays an indispensable role in maintaining ecological balance. Therefore, the importance of animals extends far beyond their usefulness to humans; they also possess their own biological, ecological and welfare needs. Despite their significant contribution to human society, animals are not always provided with living conditions that meet their basic requirements. Inadequate nutrition, insufficient drinking water, poor housing, delayed veterinary treatment, improper transportation, excessive workload and deliberate cruelty continue to affect animal welfare in different parts of the world. Animals are often viewed primarily from an economic perspective, while their ability to experience pain, fear, stress and discomfort receives comparatively less attention. These concerns have gradually established animal welfare as an important scientific, ethical and social subject. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), animal welfare refers to the physical and mental state of an animal in relation to the conditions in which it lives and dies. This definition highlights that keeping an animal free from disease alone is not sufficient. Animals must also receive appropriate nutrition, comfortable housing, protection from fear and distress, and opportunities to express behaviour characteristic of their species (WOAH, Animal Welfare). An important milestone in the development of modern animal welfare science was the introduction of the concept of the Five Freedoms in 1965. These include freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury and disease, freedom to express normal behaviour, and freedom from fear and distress. These principles continue to provide a foundation for assessing animal welfare in livestock production, transportation, slaughter, laboratory research and companion animal management. However, improving animal welfare requires more than individual compassion. It demands appropriate legislation, effective administration, scientific research, accessible veterinary services and active public participation. Recognizing these requirements, several national and international institutions have emerged to promote humane treatment, prevent cruelty and improve the overall quality of animal life.
- Major International Institutions Working for Animal Welfare: Animal welfare has gradually developed into a global concern rather than remaining an issue confined to individual countries. International trade in animals and animal products, livestock production, wildlife conservation, laboratory experimentation and animal protection during natural disasters have further increased its importance. Several international organizations are contributing through scientific guidelines, policy recommendations, awareness programmes and institutional collaboration.
2.1 World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH): The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is one of the leading intergovernmental organizations working in the fields of animal health and welfare. It was established in 1924 under the name Office International des Epizooties (OIE), primarily to improve international cooperation in the prevention and control of animal diseases. Over time, animal welfare became an important component of its activities, and the organization adopted its present name, WOAH, in 2022. The contribution of WOAH is particularly significant because it approaches animal welfare through scientific standards and practical management rather than treating it solely as an ethical concern. The organization publishes the Terrestrial Animal Health Code and the Aquatic Animal Health Code, which provide internationally recognized recommendations concerning animal transportation, slaughter, disease management, scientific research and welfare in different production systems. WOAH published its initial international animal welfare standards for terrestrial animals in 2004 and subsequently expanded its work to aquatic animals and other welfare-related areas. These standards assist member countries in developing appropriate policies and management practices that consider the biological requirements, health and behavioural needs of animals. Through its international guidelines and technical cooperation, WOAH has contributed significantly to making animal welfare an important component of veterinary governance and international animal health management.
2.2 World Veterinary Association (WVA): The World Veterinary Association (WVA) traces its origins to the first International Veterinary Congress held in Hamburg, Germany, in 1863. Initiated through the efforts of Dr J. Gamgee, this international veterinary movement eventually developed into a global professional organization representing veterinary associations and veterinary professionals across different countries. The association recognizes veterinarians as important contributors to animal welfare. Their responsibilities extend beyond diagnosing and treating diseases to assessing pain, stress, nutrition, housing and behavioural conditions. Veterinarians also guide livestock owners regarding scientific animal management and help prevent inappropriate treatment of animals. WVA promotes improvements in veterinary education, professional development, animal health and welfare policies. Its activities also support the integration of animal welfare with public health through the One Health approach. An important contribution of the association is its emphasis on strengthening the professional responsibility of veterinarians in ensuring humane treatment and improving the quality of life of animals.
2.3 World Animal Protection: World Animal Protection is an international non-governmental organization working to protect animals from unnecessary suffering, exploitation and cruel treatment. Its activities cover a wide range of animal categories, including farm animals, companion animals and wildlife. The organization works through animal rescue initiatives, public awareness campaigns, policy advocacy and collaboration with governments and animal protection organizations. One of its important areas of activity is animal protection during natural disasters. Floods, earthquakes and other emergencies affect animals as severely as they affect human communities. During such situations, animals require food, drinking water, shelter and timely veterinary assistance. World Animal Protection also promotes the integration of animal welfare with environmental conservation and sustainable development. Its activities highlight the importance of treating animal welfare as a shared responsibility involving governments, communities and individuals.
2.4 FOUR PAWS: Founded in Vienna, Austria, in 1988 by Heli Dungler, FOUR PAWS is an international animal welfare organization working to improve the living conditions of animals affected by human activities. The organization focuses on companion animals, farm animals and wild animals kept in inappropriate conditions. Its activities include rescuing injured and neglected animals, providing veterinary treatment, developing wildlife sanctuaries and promoting awareness against animal cruelty. One of the important aspects of its approach is that animal rescue should not end with immediate protection. Animals must also be provided with suitable long-term care, rehabilitation and safe living environments. Through these initiatives, FOUR PAWS promote a more comprehensive approach to animal welfare that combines immediate intervention with sustainable protection.
2.5 Other International Animal Protection Organizations: Apart from these organizations, several other institutions contribute significantly to animal welfare across the world. These include the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), Humane Society International and various national animal protection organizations. Their activities include preventing animal cruelty, operating animal shelters, protecting companion animals, promoting wildlife conservation and advocating improvements in animal welfare legislation. Collectively, these organizations demonstrate that meaningful improvements in animal welfare require a combination of scientific knowledge, legal protection, institutional cooperation and public participation.
- Major Institutions and Organizations Working for Animal Welfare in India: Animals occupy an important position in Indian society, not only because of their economic contribution but also because of their cultural and social significance. In rural areas, livestock provides livelihood security, while in urban areas, the management and protection of companion and stray animals have emerged as important public concerns. India has gradually developed an institutional framework for animal welfare through legislation, government departments, research institutions and non-governmental organizations.
3.1 Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI): The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) occupies a central position in the institutional development of animal welfare in India. It was established in 1962 under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The renowned social reformer and animal welfare activist Rukmini Devi Arundale served as its first chairperson. The primary responsibility of the Board is to promote animal welfare and support the prevention of cruelty through legal, administrative and awareness-related initiatives. It advises the Central Government on matters concerning animal welfare legislation and policies. It also supports eligible animal welfare organizations, animal shelters and veterinary care facilities through various assistance programmes. The Board plays an important connecting role between government authorities and organizations working at the grassroots level. Its activities also include promoting humane treatment during animal transportation, improving animal care facilities and encouraging public participation in animal protection. AWBI functions under the administrative control of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India.
3.3 Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA): Animals have historically been used in scientific research involving medicines, vaccines, biological products and disease investigations. Although such research has contributed significantly to medical and veterinary sciences, ensuring the ethical treatment of experimental animals remains essential. The Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA) was established under Section 15 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Its primary responsibility is to regulate and supervise the use of animals in scientific experiments and ensure that unnecessary pain and suffering are avoided. Research establishments using experimental animals are required to follow applicable registration and ethical oversight requirements. Institutional Animal Ethics Committees (IAECs) play an important role in reviewing and monitoring proposed animal experiments. The objective of CCSEA is not to obstruct scientific research but to ensure that animal experiments are conducted responsibly, scientifically and ethically. It promotes appropriate housing, handling, care and monitoring of experimental animals.
3.2 Non-Governmental Animal Welfare Organizations in India: Government institutions provide the necessary legal and administrative framework, but non-governmental organizations play an equally important role in addressing animal welfare problems at the community level. Several organizations work to rescue injured animals, provide veterinary treatment, rehabilitate abandoned companion animals, promote sterilization and vaccination programmes and create public awareness about animal cruelty.
People for Animals (PFA) is one of India’s prominent animal protection organizations. Through its activities and associated centres, it works towards rescuing, treating and rehabilitating animals in distress.
Similarly, Blue Cross of India has contributed to animal rescue, veterinary care, stray dog management, sterilization and vaccination initiatives.
Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) works as a network supporting animal protection organizations through collaboration, training, public awareness and policy advocacy.
The importance of these organizations lies in their ability to connect animal welfare principles with everyday community activities. Their work demonstrates that animal protection becomes more effective when citizens, volunteers and local institutions actively participate.
- Major Challenges in Animal Welfare: Despite the development of international organizations, national legislation and state-level institutions, several challenges continue to affect animal welfare. One major concern is the gap between policy formulation and effective implementation. Although laws and guidelines provide a framework for animal protection, their practical application often depends on institutional capacity, available resources and public participation. In urban areas, the management of stray dogs and cats remains an important concern. These animals require appropriate food, shelter, vaccination and population management programmes. In India, the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 provide a regulatory framework for sterilization and vaccination programmes for stray dogs. Effective implementation requires cooperation among local authorities, veterinarians and animal welfare organizations.
In rural areas, ensuring adequate fodder, clean drinking water, suitable housing and timely veterinary treatment remains a major challenge. Small and marginal livestock owners may not always have sufficient financial resources or access to veterinary facilities. Humane transportation and slaughter practices also require continuous attention. Similarly, the ethical use of animals in scientific research, wildlife protection and emergency animal rescue during natural disasters are important components of comprehensive animal welfare. Addressing these challenges requires not only government intervention but also active involvement of local communities, veterinary institutions, researchers and voluntary organizations.
- Future Prospects in Animal Welfare: With changing scientific knowledge and technological development, the concept of animal welfare is becoming increasingly comprehensive. Earlier, animal protection activities were largely associated with rescuing injured animals and treating diseases. Today, greater emphasis is being placed on the overall quality of animal life, including nutrition, behaviour, mental well-being, housing and environmental conditions. Several areas offer considerable opportunities for strengthening animal welfare in the coming years. Scientific research and education: Veterinary universities and research institutions should encourage studies on animal behaviour, stress, pain, nutrition and the impact of diseases on animal welfare. Greater emphasis on animal welfare science in veterinary curricula will help train professionals who understand both clinical treatment and the broader welfare requirements of animals. Use of digital technologies: Digital identification systems, electronic health records and mobile-based veterinary services can improve animal health monitoring and livestock management. Telemedicine may also help livestock owners in remote areas access expert veterinary advice. Community participation and awareness: Animal welfare cannot be achieved through government programmes alone. Schools, colleges, village panchayats, self-help groups and voluntary organizations should actively participate in awareness programmes. Developing compassion and responsible behaviour towards animals should become an integral part of social education. Integration of One Health and One Welfare approaches: Human, animal and environmental health are closely interconnected. The One Health approach recognizes the relationship between human health, animal health and environmental health. Similarly, One Welfare emphasizes the interdependence of animal welfare, human well-being and environmental sustainability. Integrating these concepts into livestock development and animal protection programmes can provide more comprehensive and sustainable outcomes.
- Conclusion: Animal welfare reflects the scientific understanding, ethical values and social sensitivity of a society. Animals are an inseparable part of human life, the economy and the natural environment. Therefore, their care should not be viewed merely as an economic requirement or legal obligation but as a broader social responsibility. At the international level, organizations such as WOAH, WVA, World Animal Protection and FOUR PAWS have contributed to the development of scientific standards, awareness and policy initiatives for animal welfare. In India, institutions such as AWBI, CCSEA, DAHD, ICAR and several non-governmental organizations have established an important institutional foundation for animal protection, research and veterinary care. Nevertheless, the real success of these institutions depends on how effectively their initiatives reach animals at the ground level. Providing adequate food, clean water, suitable shelter and timely veterinary treatment is just as important as developing policies and legislation for animal protection. Ultimately, animal welfare is not simply about showing kindness towards animals. It represents our scientific understanding, ethical responsibility and sensitivity towards other living beings. A healthy, balanced and humane society can only be developed when the needs and well-being of animals are recognized and respected.
