The UN-iversalization of Animal Welfare Law

Janice H. Cox

Abstract

The 2030 Agenda envisages a development model “in which humanity lives in harmony with nature and … other living species are protected[i].” While the relationship between animal welfare, environmental well-being and human development is starting to be discussed and evidenced, there remains very little recognition of this relationship and the crucial role animal welfare plays in sustainable development for people and planet in UN discussions of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper discusses this further, with specific reference to the development of good practice for animal welfare in agricultural development. However, it is recognized that there are also broader issues of human-animal relationships and animal welfare of relevance to the achievement of the SDGs which are outside the scope of this paper. [Prepared for the “Wageningen Project” on “Guidance on the Implementation of Good Practices for Animal Welfare in Agriculture Development Projects” comprising the following partners: World Bank, Wageningen University and Research (WUR), World Animal Net (WAN)/now World Federation for Animals (WFA), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).]