RAWS: Animal welfare

Maintaining animal welfare when emergencies and disasters strike

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Regional Animal Welfare Strategy (RAWS) Asia-Pacific animal welfare webinar: Maintaining animal welfare when emergency and disaster strike

 

Background

Animal welfare is a multidimensional issue shaped by scientific, ethical, cultural, and social factors, with practices varying widely across regions. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has long provided international standards that guide countries in safeguarding animal health, welfare, and veterinary public health. These standards, along with WOAH’s ongoing work in emergency management, support global efforts to prevent and respond to animal health threats.

WOAH also maintains a global network of Collaborating Centres with expertise in emergency and disaster management, helping Members strengthen preparedness and share best practices. In Asia and the Pacific, the Regional Animal Welfare Strategy (RAWS) provides a framework for improving welfare outcomes through communication, education, regulation, and research, supported by technical partners such as the David Bayvel Consortium and ICFAW.

Purpose

This webinar highlighted practical approaches for preparing for and managing emergencies that impact animal health, welfare, or veterinary public health. Participants explored key actions to reduce suffering and maintain care standards during disruptions, including rapid risk assessment, contingency planning, and resource coordination. The session aimed to strengthen awareness of emergency management responsibilities and improve collaboration among veterinary services, government agencies, and partners.

Details

Date and time: 3:00 PM JST, 4 December 2025

Venue: Virtual

More information

Regional

Animal welfare

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Global

Animal health and welfare

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