How we work

Coalition

ICFAW is a coalition of international global animal welfare organizations working together with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) to improve the welfare of animals globally. The coalition is dedicated to improving the welfare of farm animals (on farms, during transport and at slaughter), companion animals, working animals, wildlife and animals used for research and education, sporting and entertainment.

Vision

The ongoing refinement and enhancement of WOAH animal welfare standards will reflect advances in animal welfare science and ethically based societal expectations. This enhancement of standards will be complemented by improvement in effective implementation of adopted standards by WOAH members, with the active involvement, where appropriate and where there is a consensus, of ICFAW in developing projects by member organisations and supporting WOAH-led, or other agreed, promotion and implementation initiatives.

WOAH values its partnership with ICFAW, whose membership will be truly international and include experience and expertise to cover all species.

Mission

We work to achieve the highest possible animal welfare standards worldwide by actively engaging in WOAH’s consultation process to help shape internationally recognized animal health and welfare standards.

We provide a forum for information exchange and dialogue on matters of common interest. When consensus is reached, we foster international cooperation among animal protection NGOs to present a strong, unified voice on the implementation, enforcement, and promotion of WOAH animal welfare standards—ultimately improving the lives of animals.

By bringing together the collective expertise and experience of the global animal protection NGO community, we contribute meaningfully to WOAH’s animal welfare initiatives.

We advocate for the adoption of WOAH’s animal welfare standards and guidelines by all member states, recognising them as a baseline for animal protection.

Our support for WOAH in order to promote the integration of animal welfare standards worldwide includes organising training courses, events, talks, and outreach materials to raise awareness, strengthen capacity.

ICFAW/WOAH Memorandum of Understanding

In May 2018, ICFAW signed a Memorandum of Understanding with WOAH, which represented an important development in ICFAW’s relationship with WOAH and the increased trust and engagement between the two organisations. The MoU sets out obligations that both partners need to meet. In June 2022 the MoU was renewed for another four years. 

The modalities of cooperation include:

• Participating in the standard-setting process for animal welfare standards;

• Collaborating in support of the WOAH Regional Animal Welfare Strategies and Platforms through the ICFAW Regional Working Groups and WOAH Regional and Subregional Representations.

• Contributing to relevant activities to strengthen the role and responsibilities of the Veterinary Services in relation to animal welfare;

• Contributing to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and animal welfare outcomes;

• Supporting the development of scientific and technical material and events aimed at promoting best practices for animal welfare related topics;

• Contributing to relevant capacity building activities in support of implementation of animal welfare standards such as training seminars for WOAH Animal Welfare Focal Points, veterinarians and veterinarian paraprofessionals;

• Sharing positions on issues of common interest to animal welfare NGOs, as represented by ICFAW, and the WOAH.

Governance

ICFAW’s work is implemented by a Steering Committee and Regional Working Groups. The Steering Committee includes the current ICFAW Chair, Secretary and the Chairs of each Regional Working Group, plus additional representatives to ensure that members of the Steering Committee have expertise covering farm animals, working animals, wildlife, companion animals and disaster management. The Regional Working Groups coordinate ICFAW work in each of the five regions as defined by the WOAH. Additionally, working groups are organized to work on topical issues as necessary.

The current Steering Committee members are:

• Julia Havenstein – Animals’ Angels - Chair

• Masika Sophie, World Federation for Animals - Secretary

• Tozie Zokufa, Coalition of African Animal Welfare Organisations - Chair Africa Regional Working Group

• Eduardo Santurtun, Donkey Sanctuary - Chair Americas Regional Working Group

• Jeff Zhou, Compassion in World Farming - Chair Asia, Far East and Oceania Regional Working Group

• Alexandra Hammond-Seaman, RSPCA - Chair Europe Regional Working Group

• Julia Havenstein, Animals’ Angels - Chair Middle East Regional Working Group

• Laura Skippen, Brooke - One Welfare Working Group

• Carolina Nascimento, FOUR PAWS –Gap Analysis Working Group

Why the WOAH?

The WOAH leads the development of standards for animal welfare which have been agreed by the WOAH’s 182 member countries. These standards include the welfare of farm animals (husbandry, transport and slaughter), stray dog population control, working equines, animals in research and the slaughter and transport of aquatic animals. The WOAH also provides training to national Animal Welfare Focal Points. Through standard-setting and training, the WOAH raises the ambition and ability of countries worldwide to meaningfully improve animal welfare.

Case Studies