We measure the evidence. You make the call. Here's why.
Welfare Footprint Institute. (2026)
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Abstract
We often receive feedback from people who share a common goal: improving animal welfare as much as possible. When feedback is in the form of critique, it may come in two forms. One kind is scientific: about evidence, modeling choices, uncertainty, and gaps. That sits squarely within our scientific mandate, and we treat it as valuable input for revision. The other is normative: about what conclusions people should draw, or what actions people should take, given the evidence. That’s a legitimate debate, but it isn’t a scientific dispute, and it isn’twhere an evidence-focused research institute is best placed to contribute. This post is a standing clarification of principles: how we interpret criticism, what we do with it, and what we see as our role in the broader effort to improve animal welfare.
Recommended citation:
Alonso, W. J. & Schuck-Paim, C. (2026). We Measure the Evidence. You Make the Call. Here's Why. Welfare Footprint Institute Position Paper Series. 261