A Strategic Review of International Animal Protection

As part of its “State of the Animals” series, this chapter by the former HSUS President provides a brief overview of animal protection activity around the world, by region. Includes estimates for how many people participate in animal advocacy by country and how many animal organizations exist, along with an examination of trends over time.

Animal protection activity varies from country to country, and is somewhat related to economic development, sociopolitical background and dominant religious traditions.

Wildlife and food animal issues tend to dominate in developing nations where companion animal issues are the focus in developed nations.   The three world regions where support of animal welfare is very strong and where there is a well-funded animal protection presence are North America, Northern Europe and Australia/New Zealand.

The four regions where animal protection is reasonably healthy  are Southern Africa, the Caribbean, Southern Europe and Eastern Europe.

Weak animal protection activities with signs of growing interest are found in Central and South America.

Animal protection is weak to nonexistent in most of Asia and Africa.

By major region, some representative statistics of animal protection are (total population,# animal protection organizations):

• North America (310 million,6400)
• Central America (135 million,27)
• Caribbean (38 million, 44)
• South America (346 million, 112)
• North Africa (292 million, 7)
• West Africa (186 million, 5)
• Western/Central Africa (74 million,0)
• Eastern/Central Africa (102 million, 10)
• Southern Africa (126 million, 115)