The Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW) is a proposed global agreement to recognise animal sentience, prevent and reduce cruelty and suffering, and promote standards on the welfare of all non-human animals.

​

The declaration calls for:

• Recognition of animal sentience.

• Recognition that animal welfare encompasses both physical and mental states of animals.

• Recognition that humans should co-exist with all forms of life within an interdependent ecosystem.

• Acknowledgement that legal protection of animals must be ensured woth the development of better animal welfare provisions.

• Awareness that the "Five Freedoms" and the "3Rs" provide valuable guidance for the use of animals.

 

The UDAW applies to all non-human animals including farm animals, companion animals, animals used in scientific research, draught animals, wildlife animals and animals in recreation.

​

As of 2014, it has the support of 46 countries, and of ministries from 17 more countries.