Universities Federation for Animal Welfare Science in the Service of Animal Welfare

11 February – a milestone in animal welfare

Dr William Russell’s paper entitled A research on the history and progress of humane experimental techniques was presented on this day at the UFAW Annual General Meeting in 1955. It contained the essence of the principles that were to become known as the Three Rs – Replacement, Reduction and Refinement

With the right help, bears can recover from the stress of bile farming

Research shows humane treatment can reverse chronic stress (photo credit Animals Asia/AAP)

Why UFAW's work is important

Are we responsible for the welfare of wild animals? Public opinion varies as to whether, and to what degree, humans should be considered responsible for the welfare of wild animals.

UFAW welcomes new legislation to tackle genetic welfare problems in dogs

New legislation which will come into effect on the 1st of October this year heralds a potential break-through in tackling genetic welfare problems in dogs. See here for further information

Genetic welfare problems in companion animals

A comprehensive information resource for all concerned about pet welfare

UFAW’s international peer-reviewed journal

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Science in the Service of Animal Welfare

UFAW is an internationally recognised, independent, scientific and educational animal welfare charity concerned with improving knowledge and understanding of animals’ needs. It promotes high standards of welfare and practical, long-lasting solutions to welfare problems for farm, companion, laboratory, captive wild animals and those with which we interact in the wild.

Please support UFAW

UFAW’s work relies on your support. Please help us to continue our vital work. You can pledge a monthly amount of your choice (click on the box below)

£3 A month could help us to provide educational materials to improve animal welfare in developing countries

£10 A month could help us to progress our outreach work to help animals around the world

or you can make a one-off donation of your choice

£20 will help us to fund initiatives like the garden wildlife health
project

£50 helps us to fund projects such as our research into lifetime indicators of animal welfare

Latest Appeal

Please click on the box below to see UFAW's current Appeal.

Ways you can help support UFAW

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Farm animal welfare

Humans have been farming animals for a very long time (over 10,000 years) and, over the past few decades, considerable progress has been made in improving farm animal welfare (such as better-quality veterinary care, enhanced nutrition, and a greater understanding of animal behaviour and genetics).

Helping to improve the Welfare of Animals Used in Scientific Testing and Research

Tens of millions of animals are used around the world every year in scientific research and testing. They are mostly used to develop and test treatments for human conditions and to understand human biology, but also to develop veterinary treatments for other animals and to obtain fundamental knowledge.

Animal Welfare Across Borders meeting - Hong Kong

UFAW's Dr Huw Golledge has travelled to Hong Kong to speak at the Animal Welfare Across Borders meeting. Topics at the meeting include cat and dog welfare in Thailand, the Chinese pig industry and animal welfare and sustainability amongst others. Huw’s presentation at the conference is entitled Diagnosing poor welfare – the need for sensitivity, specificity and generalisability.