Could Transparency International be a model to improve farm animal welfare?
Welfare Footprint Institute. (2024)
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Abstract
The text discusses the potential for adopting a model akin to Transparency International to improve farm animal welfare. By relying on standards related to consumers' right to information, this organization could develop and promote standard reporting methods, auditing systems, transparency rankings of companies and governments, and improved labelling and traceability of animal products. Lack of transparency enables companies to circumvent reforms and prevents assessing the true effectiveness of animal welfare policies. Increased transparency would promote accountability, compliance with standards, and enhancement of welfare practices. We propose the creation of a dedicated organization focused on enhancing transparency in animal welfare. An organization focused on transparency could develop reporting frameworks, auditing processes, traceability systems, sourcing policies requiring transparency, and welfare labeling schemes. Increased consumer awareness through transparent labeling, traceability, sourcing policies, and educational campaigns could help bridge the gap between preferences and realities. Transparency initiatives could include public sharing of independent audit results, animal-based health monitoring, stockmanship qualifications, slaughter line inspections, and transparency rankings of companies
Recommended citation:
Schuck-Paim, C. and Alonso, W. J. (2024). Could Transparency International Be a Model to Improve Farm Animal Welfare? Welfare Footprint Institute, Commentary Series: 243