Impact for Farm Animal Welfare: Achievements and Milestones

A year of incredible achievements

Impact Review

We are one of the leanest, most cost-effective global charities who achieve extraordinary things with the resources gifted to us by our supporters.

Every year, we produce an Impact Report to show what we have achieved together. Check out our latest Impact Review, or continue reading for some highlights from the last few decades.

Trustees Annual Report and Accounts

Factory farming is the single biggest cause of animal cruelty on the planet. Besides the devastating impact it has on billions of farm animals, it is threatening human health, wildlife and the climate. Solving a problem on this scale needs power in numbers.

OUR VISION is a world where farm animals are treated with compassion and respect.

OUR MISSION is to end factory farming.

OUR ESSENCE is that farm animals should not, and need not, suffer.

In Compassion’s latest Annual Report and Accounts, you will find the story behind our work, and what we have achieved for farm animals around the world during this past year.

You will discover why millions of farm animals have better lives, thanks to our incredible supporters, donors and volunteers worldwide – over two million voices across the globe, calling for a more compassionate world.

You will see the challenges that still lie ahead, as we navigate one of the most extraordinary times in history.

Together, we are uniting a global movement against factory farming. We WILL bring an end to cruel cages across Europe and ease the suffering of millions of farm animals, for generations to come.

ANNUAL REPORT

Trustees Annual Report and Accounts 2022-2023. In Compassion’s latest Annual Report and Accounts, you will find the story behind our work, and what we have achieved for farm animals around the world during this past year.

Compassion’s campaigns have already seen the beginning of the end for many of the worst aspects of factory farming – the banning of barren battery cage for hens; the end to near-permanent confinement of sows; the abolition of the horrifically restrictive veal crate. The EU has listened to our voice and enacted legislation on all these issues. And, to date, our tough, pragmatic engagement with leading food firms from McDonald’s to Unilever is set to benefit over 2.6 billion farm animals every year.

Veal crates: Banned in UK & Europe

At least 5 million calves benefit each year by the ban on the veal crate

In 1987, the UK government voted to phase out cruel veal crates for calves following a court case and campaign from Compassion in World Farming. The ban came into place in the UK in 1990. Six years later, continued pressure from Compassion in World Farming also resulted in legislation to ban veal crates across Europe from 2007. Because of this campaign, veal crates are now outlawed in all countries in the EU.

Harnessing industry power that transforms animal lives

Over 2.5 billion animals set to benefit each year

Since 2007, Compassion in World Farming’s Food Business team has been working with some of the world’s biggest food companies - retailers, producers, manufacturers and food service companies - to place farm animal welfare at the forefront of their corporate social responsibility agendas. The companies we work with are a key part of the drive towards a more ethical and sustainable food supply.

Barren battery cages: Banned in Europe

At least 250 million hens benefit each year from the EU ban on barren battery cages

In 1999, against all the odds, the EU agreed to ban barren battery cages for laying hens from 2012. Hailed by many as the single biggest victory for animal welfare in recent history, Compassion is now working tirelessly to ensure the ban is enforced across all EU countries.

Sow stalls: Banned in UK, restricted in Europe

Over 6 million sows are benefiting each year from legislation to ban the sow stall in Europe

Following intense campaigning by Compassion, keeping pregnant sows in narrow stalls has been banned in the UK since 1999. Continued pressure has meant that, from January 2013, these stalls are now also prohibited across the EU after the first four weeks of pregnancy.

Live exports: An end to subsidies

In 2005, the export subsidies for farmers transporting live cattle to countries outside the EU were eliminated. Compassion in World Farming continues to fight for an end to all live exports from the EU.

Animals can feel pain and suffer: EU law agrees

In 1997, animals were legally recognised as sentient beings (capable of feeling pain and discomfort) by the EU, following a ten-year campaign by Compassion in World Farming. This fundamental agreement now underpins and paves the way for all future improvements to farm animal welfare in Europe.

Read more about animal sentience

We investigate and expose the true costs of factory farming, calling to account those with the power to change our food system. By working in partnership with inspirational supporters, progressive policy makers and visionary companies, we are mobilising a movement for far-reaching change in our farming that can feed the world and will improve the quality of life for billions of farm animals worldwide.

Compassion in World Farming punches well above its weight. Pound for pound, I think they contribute more to the cause of animal welfare than any other group I’ve ever met.

John Webster, Emeritus Professor,
Bristol University Veterinary School

Compassion punches way above its weight, with an influence and impact out of proportion to its modest resources

René Olivieri,
Tubney Charitable Trust

The world needs compassion in every nation, in every food company boardroom, in every farm, on every kitchen table. Join Compassion as we take the next big step and kick start a food and farming revolution.

Harnessing the power of big business

Leading companies that produce the food we eat have enormous influence over the way in which farm animals are reared and slaughtered. They can move faster and more decisively than politicians or policy makers when it comes to driving improvements. The scale of change can be vast and can benefit millions of animals, each and every year.