Animal Welfare
10 Mar 2026
Position Statement on Welfare of Animals During Land Transportation – Terrestrial livestock and poultry
Farm animals have historically been subject to human-imposed constraints, prioritising production efficiency in agricultural techniques. However, there is a growing consensus on prioritising animal health and welfare, particularly during transportation, where millions of live animals are transported globally each year. Unfortunately, animal transportation poses significant risks to welfare, and animals may suffer poor conditions or death due to factors like unfit animal selection, inappropriate vehicle design, inconsiderate handling techniques, too long distances and inadequate feed, water, break facilities, and preparation, as well as harsh climatic conditions, including severe heat or cold stress, among others. These issues not only lead to suffering but can also result in financial losses from carcass bruising and other causes of downgrade, impacting food safety and non-alignment with the One Health approach. Animal transportation, whether over short or long distances, inevitably causes stress due to herding and loading techniques, tight spaces, unfamiliarity with the loaded peers, vehicle and conditions at the destination, and exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
Animal Welfare
10 Mar 2026
Factsheet on Brachycephaly in Dogs
WVA promotes the development and enforcement of appropriate national welfare standards and regulations for aquaculture, training in aquatic veterinary medicine and investment in education and capacity-building to ensure proper care, welfare, and management of aquatic animals.Brachycephaly refers to a spectrum of skull conformations characterised by shortening of the muzzle and upper airways. Not all short-nosed dogs experience severe problems; welfare outcomes depend on the degree of anatomical alteration, individual health status, and management. However, extreme brachycephaly is strongly associated with significant health and welfare concerns. Breeds such as the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, and Pug have increased sharply in popularity. Many people are unaware that certain exaggerated facial features, while perceived as “cute”, are linked to abnormal conformation that may severely compromise health, reduce quality of life, and require costly medical or surgical interventions.
Animal Welfare
11 Jul 2025
Factsheet on Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport
Transporting animals requires careful planning to ensure their safety, health, and well-being. Whether traveling by air, road, or train—whether for relocation, rescue, breeding, or personal reasons - this factsheet can be used when consulting with a veterinarian.
Animal Welfare
14 May 2025
Welfare Across Aquatic Animal Environments
Humans share the world with millions of species that live in or near aquatic habitats. The wellbeing and survival of many of these animals, whether invertebrates or vertebrates such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, aquatic birds, and mammals, depend on aquatic environmental conditions consistent with those which prevailed in the natural ecosystem in which each evolved.
Animal Welfare
8 Aug 2024
Factsheet on Welfare of Farmed Fish
Aquaculture production as a source of dietary protein is increasing by 6-8% annually to meet the needs of a rapidly growing global human population. Over 214 million tonnes of farmed fish are produced each year around the world for human consumption. Research has demonstrated that fish are sentient, but they are rarely afforded the same level of protection as sentient terrestrial animals. WVA promotes the development and enforcement of appropriate national welfare standards and regulations for aquaculture, training in aquatic veterinary medicine and investment in education and capacity-building to ensure proper care, welfare, and management of aquatic animals.
Animal Welfare
26 Jul 2024
WVA Position Statement on the Role of Veterinarians in Aquatic Animal Health
The WVA and World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association (WAVMA) urge their members to engage with authorities and statutory bodies to improve the regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine in the field of aquatic animals; restricting such practice to licensed/registered veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals who work under the supervision of veterinarians.
Animal Welfare
18 Apr 2024
Factsheet on Donkey Skin Trade and Welfare of Donkeys
Demand for ejiao is increasing, leading to global trade and poaching of donkeys. Almost 6 million skins currently being harvested annually to be used to produce collagen for a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), called eijiao. The rampant killing of donkeys for the skin trade leads to the impoverishment of local communities, loss of opportunities for women, and impairs access to education for children, water provision and agricultural sustainability. The global donkey population stands at~53.4million. The donkey population in China alone has decreased from ~11 million in 1992 to just under 2 million in 2020 (FAOSTAT,2021).
Animal Welfare
28 Feb 2024
WVA Position Statement on the Protection of Animals During Disasters and Armed Conflict
The WVA considers that there is an urgent need for national preparedness plans and coordinated international veterinary relief geared towards support of animals, as well as consideration of protections of ecosystems and habitats during armed conflict and natural disasters.
Animal Welfare
28 Feb 2024
WVA Position Statement on Position Statement on Control of Inappropriately Aggressive Dogs
The WVA recognizes that inappropriately aggressive dogs may pose a significant threat to humans and other animals and calls for education, community involvement, owner responsability and appropriate legislation.
Animal Welfare
31 Jan 2024
Factsheet on Working Equids Welfare
There are over 116 million working equids and they support over 600 million people worldwide. Despite the development of global standards, many working equids still experience poor welfare.