The Animal Protection Index: a global ranking of animal legislation and policy Ricardo Fajardo, Head of External Affairs World Animal Protection 4th Annual International Animal Law Summit October 2018

World Animal Protection We are a global organisation working around the world, creating positive lasting change by pioneering sustainable solutions to animal suffering We use our collective skills and knowledge to move individuals, organisations and governments to transform animals’ lives We want a world where animals live free from suffering

Our Regional Work Offices in 14 countries - Projects in 50 countries - 1.4 million Supporters 380 staff members, including 10 veterinarians and animal welfare scientists

Our work around the world Moving animal welfare for farming animals Right now, more than 70 billion animals are farmed for food each year – two-thirds in conditions that mean they can’t move freely or live naturally. The treatment of farm animals is the world’s biggest animal welfare issue We have global campaigns to improve the welfare of chickens, the production of pigs and the welfare of animals used for dairy

Our work around the world Keeping wild animals in the wild We have growing concern about the use of animals in the wild. Our campaigns cover: Marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins, get trapped in discarded fishing gear. Wild animals are traded as exotic pets or parts used in illegal trading. Animals used for entertainment, such as selfies or tourists riding elephants. Wild animals are used as ingredients in traditional medicine.

Our work around the world Protecting animals in communities We estimate one billion animals live in communities. We help governments to manage dog populations humanely and to vaccinate against rabies, instead of culling dogs. We share advice on responsible pet ownership We are working with international agencies to prevent rabies.

Our work around the world Protecting animals and livelihoods affected by disasters For more than 50 years, we have been moving fast to protect animals affected by disasters helping people to recover and rebuild. We help governments and communities prepare for disasters, enabling people to protect animals and rebuild their lives. We have a global network of response teams, so our staff can be on the scene of a disaster within hours of a disaster. Once we arrive, we work with local partners to assess what’s needed and to set up relief programmes quickly and efficiently.

Our work around the world Putting animal protection at the heart of global thinking World Animal Protection has General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Only those that UN considers have made substantial contributions to UN objectives and in their specialised field can achieve the General Status. Our campaigns and projects have specific relation to the Sustainable Development Goals, for instance in Ocean pollution and food security.

Our work around the world Putting animal protection at the heart of global thinking We participate in the OIE Animal Welfare Forum and in the drafting of OIE standards We are in the steering committee of the Animal Welfare Platform for the African Union and the European Commission We keep an eye on the international political arena and have partnered with organisations to work on international projects.

Our work around the world Putting animal protection at the heart of global thinking We have strong corporate partnerships that help our campaigns.

What is The Animal Protection Index An index of 50 countries worldwide, ranking their commitment to protecting animals. It assesses the animal welfare policy and legislation of each country. First index of its kind.

Purpose The API puts the issue of protecting animals on the global agenda The API establishes a new benchmark to improve the welfare of animals worldwide The API provides a dialogue platform with countries The API as an advocacy tool for all

Methodology 50 countries 5 themes 15 indicators A – G categories Interactive website https://api.worldanimalprotection.org/

Five Themes and Indicators Recognising animal protection Governance structures and systems Animal welfare standards Providing humane education Promoting communication and awareness

Results overview 2014

Working together to protect animals The API recognises positive examples and important steps taken by governments to improve animal welfare policy and legislation

A case study High-rank – Australia (C)

A case study Low rank – Algeria (F)

Challenges to stronger animal welfare protection Cultural attitudes No basic anti-cruelty/abuse legislation Lack of transparency or limited information publicly available Lack of financial resources Expertise gap Poor enforcement mechanisms Lack of consensus among diverse population Restrictions on NGO operations

Working together to protect animals Governments use the API to identify where improvements can be made to protect animals and World Animal Protection stands ready to assist in this process

Impact highlights 14 Governments taking direct action on the index in the first 10 months Major stakeholder endorsement 49 Press Articles engaging with API, including 1 Editorial and 3 stakeholder-specific publications for 4 regions. Used in other indices / publications (i.e. the Food Sustainability Index) Conferences and public presentations

The Second Edition - 2019 The Animal Protection Index will be renewed and published in 2019 Provisional launch date (TBC) in March/April 2019 It will have: Same 50 countries Same themes and indicators Possibility to compare by year (2014 vs 2019) Possibility to compare among countries An indication of countries which improved, worsened or did not change Focus on improvements and milestones achieved in Animal Welfare since 2014 in connection with the themes

Thank you