We are the leading farm animal welfare charity
Compassion in World Farming was founded in 1967 by a British dairy farmer who became horrified by the development of modern, intensive factory farming. Farm animal welfare and wellbeing is at the heart of all we do and all we do is founded on scientific fact.
Today we campaign peacefully to end all cruel factory farming practices. These systems impose suffering on billions of farm animals reared for food around the world every year.
We believe that the biggest cause of animal cruelty on the planet deserves a focused, specialised approach – so we only work on farm animal welfare.
Our passion for our work is supported by hard evidence and fact. These areas underpin all our campaigns and make us the leading experts in our field.
- We carry out extensive research on farm animal welfare and are closely involved with a number of educational establishments.
- Our investigations unit often works undercover in dangerous situations to expose the dirty secrets of intensive farming.
- Our Food Business team challenges the food industry to promote welfare improvements and provides concise consumer information.
Some of our achievements
Veal crates: Banned in UK & Europe
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 us also resulted in legislation to ban on veal crates across Europe from 2007. Because of this campaign, veal crates are now outlawed in all countries in the EU.
Sow stalls: Banned in UK & Europe
Following years of campaigning, In 1991 the UK government introduced legislation to phase out sow tethers and sow-stalls (gestation crates) by 1999. In 2001, Compassion also achieved an EU-wide ban – this will take effect from 2013.
Barren battery cages: Banned in UK & Europe
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 comes into force as agreed. In 2007, the UK government stated the ban would be enforced in the UK despite continued opposition from many in the egg industry and many EU member states.
Live exports: An end to subsidies
In 2005, the export subsidies for EU farmers transporting live cattle to the Middle East were eliminated. Compassion in World Farming continues to fight for a maximum journey time of eight hours to be endorsed by EU Agriculture Ministers.
However, there are still many challenges we face if we are to realise our vision of a world where all farm animals are treated with compassion and respect and where cruel factory farming practices end.
If you agree with us that farm animals should not and need not suffer, please consider supporting us today .
You will literally help us improve the lives of billions.