When looking at the treatment of animals from countries around the world, many different levels of ethicality can be found. For example, compared to most other countries, Austria takes the prize for being one of the best ones for animal welfare. This is largely due to the Austrian Animal Welfare Act 2004, which states that it is “unlawful to inflict unjustified pain, suffering or injury on an animal or expose it to heavy fear, as well as to kill animals without reason.” They also banned circus animals, fur farming, and the use of monkeys for testing in 2005. This act has saved a variety of animals from experiencing unnecessary cruelty or harm. In 2004, Austria was ahead of its time, and has now inspired other countries to follow its lead. Switzerland is another country that has taken the initiative to provide protection for animals not only in welfare, but in dignity as well. Activities that expose animals to pain, harm, or anxiety are illegal in their country. This allowed Switzerland to receive a Grade A in animal welfare from the World Animal Protection in 2014. Similarly, New Zealand passed an act requiring those who own animals to provide them with adequate food, shelter, and protection. They also included prohibitions against “[manipulation of] live animals for teaching purposes unless this is done in accordance with a code of ethical conduct approved by the Schools’ Animal Ethics Committee”.
According to Worldatlas, while Austria, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, and many other countries are among those with A’s and B’s in animal welfare, the United States sits in the D category. (The different grades that countries received can be viewed on this map.) What sets these countries apart is their ability to consider the morality of the condition that animals are living in, especially in the food department. For example, one reason for America’s low grade is that in the US, the treatment of farm animals raised for food are not regulated on a federal level. The anti-cruelty laws are instead left up to the states to decide. Without federal punishment as a consequence, many Americans don’t take animal welfare seriously. Animals are often abused, injected with hormones, or kept in cages for the purpose of simple convenience. In contrast, Europe has a European Convention for the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes. This is the parent legislation to the many farming directives recently enacted in the EU. It protects animals that are bred for the means of providing food, wool, fur, or farming purposes. For example, the caging of hens, veal calves, and pregnant sows were all banned in the EU in 1992 as a part of the convention, while they are still very common practices in the US.
With countries in Europe advancing their legislation in accordance with animal welfare, the United States should look up to them in inspiration. Ignoring that animals can suffer and feel pain lowers our morality. Hopefully, America can follow the international trend and bump up our grade to an A.