Animal welfare is the prevailing model in current global legislation. It is rooted in a utilitarian ethic, often associated with philosophers like Peter Singer, which seeks to maximize happiness and minimize pain.
The vast majority of animals interact with humans through the food system. High-density confinement, "mutilations" without anesthesia (like debeaking or tail docking), and the environmental impact of industrial farming are major flashpoints. Welfare advocates push for cage-free environments and "slow-growth" breeds, while rights advocates promote plant-based diets to bypass the system entirely. Scientific Research and Testing