In 2005, the export subsidies for farmers transporting live cattle to countries outside the EU were eliminated. In 2023, the UK government committed to introducing a bill to end live exports. Compassion in World Farming continues to fight for an end to all live exports from the EU.

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 farmed 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.

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. At least 250 million hens benefit each year as a result of the ban.

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. Over 6 million sows are benefiting each year as a result of this legislation.

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 starting in 2007. Because of this campaign, veal crates are now outlawed in all countries in the EU, and at least 5 million calves are benefiting each year.

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. In 2022 UK law was amended to include the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act.If you would like to read more about our impact for farmed animals, please read our 2022-2023 and see what we can achieve together.