1. 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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. Methodology 50 countries 5 themes 15 indicators A – G categories
Interactive website

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

15. Results overview 2014

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

17. A case study
High-rank – Australia (C)

18. A case study
Low rank – Algeria (F)

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

24. The Second Edition
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

25. Thank you