5 Countries That Are Highly Rated for Animal Welfare

Austria

Austria is one of the strictest countries when it comes to animal welfare laws. In fact, the Austrian Animal Welfare Act 2004 suggests that animal protection should be held to a value that is equal to humankind. That means all visitors must respect and acknowledge animals as fellow creatures.

Austria has one of the highest animal welfare ratings in the world and prohibits causing animals unnecessary suffering or pain. As a result, people cannot harm animals without justification, including through certain farming practices. Austria also bans experiments and testing on chimpanzees and gorillas, with penalties including fines, up to one year in prison, and bans on keeping animals. But it doesn’t stop there. Even household animals such as cats, dogs and rabbits even have protection laws in place. For example, the Anti Cruelty Law bans pet owners from cropping their dogs’ ears or tails. To protect animal welfare, Austria bans pet shops from displaying puppies and kittens in shop windows, preventing them from being kept in small cages and other unsuitable conditions. So, if you are travelling on a single trip to Austria, then you can take comfort in knowing that the animals are a priority and protected.

Switzerland

In 2014, Switzerland received an 'A' grade for animal welfare from the World Animal Protection organisation. This ranking places it among the world's leading countries for animal protection. Switzerland prohibits unjustified harm and suffering to animals. People cannot harm animals without legal grounds, such as approved farming or food production activities.

The country uses laws that, if breached, results in a ban on keeping, breeding or trading animals. But it’s not just wild animals that are protected in Switzerland, as many pets are protected by these laws too. It is illegal to mistreat farm animals, conduct animal testing of any kind, use barking inhibitors, harm stray dogs and part social animals. Austria requires owners to keep social animals, such as guinea pigs and rabbits, in pairs. If you buy only one rabbit as a pet, you could break the law and face a prison sentence.

Switzerland classifies cats as social animals. Owners must provide daily human interaction or allow access to other cats. Swiss law also requires owners to microchip and register their dogs. These rules help hold owners accountable and discourage animal mistreatment.

Kenya

In Kenya, the prevention of animal cruelty law has made a variety of acts illegal. Switzerland bans practices that exploit animals for entertainment. These include public exhibitions with small enclosures, animal fighting, and sport hunting.

These laws help protect animals from neglect, abuse, and unnecessary suffering.

Kenya has its own society in place to help protect the welfare of animals: Kenya Society for the Protection & Care of Animals. The KSPCA is the only animal welfare charity in Kenya and was created over 100 years ago. The organisation educates younger generations about animal welfare. It also rescues more than 40 dogs and cats each month.

Its work plays an important role in advancing animal protection across Kenya. The KSPCA acknowledges that challenges remain. However, the organisation has seen more positive attitudes towards animals over the past 20 years. Both residents and visitors have contributed to this change.

Research your planned activities and check local animal protection laws before you travel. This helps you avoid supporting entertainment that involves animal cruelty. You can find out more about responsible tourism in Kenya here.

India

India is another country with strict provisions against animal cruelty. Authorities expect citizens to uphold high animal protection standards. Citizens must show compassion for all living creatures. It is a punishable offence to harm or abandon animals of any kind. The neglection of animals is also punishable by imprisonments of up to 3 months – this means that anyone who fails to provide animals with adequate shelter, water or food could face time behind bars.

There are multiple animal welfare organisations in India who campaign to protect the lives of all animals. These charities include People for Animals, Stray Relief, Animal Welfare and the Blue Cross. People for Animals is the largest non-government organisation in Kenya with a network of over 26 hospitals and 165 units. The animal welfare centres are located all over India and conduct rescue missions to influence government policies on animal welfare.

India is a popular tourist destination so it is especially important to be aware of the rules and regulations in place regarding animal welfare, particularly if you plan on taking part in any wildlife tours. The use of animals for entertainment in circus acts is banned but there are plenty of ethical entertainment venues that showcase their stunning array of wild animals if you’d like to see some animals during a visit.

Tanzania

The Tanzanian Animal Welfare Act states that humans have a duty of care to animals and that it is illegal to inflict any unnecessary harm upon them. The Animal Protection Act (2008) makes cruelty offenses such as torturing, beating, scaring or ill-treating punishable by law. And anyone caught carrying out acts such as the above could face hefty fines or even time in prison.

Tanzania has a vast variety of wildlife and ethical tours that allows you to get up close and personal with animals in their habitats. There are, however, strict rules on remaining inside the tour cars and buggies at all times to ensure the animals aren’t disturbed or frightened in anyway. Organisations such as the African Wildlife Foundation focus on the protection of animals and their habitats. So, if you plan to travel to Tanzania and want to see some animals in their natural environments while you’re there, you can find out more about the experiences on offer here.