The modern animal welfare movement began in the early 1800s. The first major piece of animal welfare legislation was the Cruel Treatment of Cattle Act (Martin’s Act) of 1822 in the British Parliament. Shortly after, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (later the RSPCA) was founded.
In the EU, the Treaties of Amsterdam and Lisbon recognized animals as "sentient beings," not just "goods." This has led to bans on battery cages and gestation crates. Still, these are welfare measures; the EU remains the world’s largest importer of meat. The modern animal welfare movement began in the early 1800s
: A philosophical stance that animals possess inherent moral worth independent of their utility to humans. It advocates for the total abolition of animal exploitation, arguing that animals should not be used for food, clothing, entertainment, or research. The "Five Freedoms" of Animal Welfare In the EU, the Treaties of Amsterdam and
"Happy exploitation is still exploitation." Francione argues that welfare reforms are counter-revolutionary. They create "happy meat" and "cage-free eggs," which make consumers feel moral while the fundamental property status of animals remains unchallenged. He argues for "veganic farming" exclusively. It advocates for the total abolition of animal