Animal Welfare Fund Methodology

Companion animals, including dogs, cats, and other pets, face numerous challenges, such as overpopulation, inadequate shelter conditions, and limited access to veterinary care. In the United States, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter shelters annually, with about 1.5 million euthanized due to overcrowding and lack of resources (Vox, 2019). This issue is further exacerbated in regions with less developed animal protection laws and fewer resources for animal care.

Farm animals, such as cattle, pigs, poultry, and sheep, often endure significant welfare challenges due to intensive farming practices. Globally, over 70 billion animals are raised for food each year, with many confined to conditions that restrict natural behaviors and contribute to physical and psychological suffering (Giving What We Can, n.d.). The systemic issues include overcrowding, inhumane slaughter practices, and the overuse of antibiotics, which are driven by the increasing global demand for meat and dairy products. Factory farming, in particular, has been identified as a major area of concern, with campaigns and interventions by organizations such as those highlighted by Vox (2019) focusing on reducing the suffering in these systems.

Wildlife populations are under severe threat from habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change. An estimated 1 million species are at risk of extinction due to these pressures (Effective Altruism, n.d.). Key regions like the Amazon rainforest, Southeast Asia's tropical forests, and African savannas are facing rapid degradation, which not only endangers wildlife but also disrupts critical ecosystems. Conservation efforts have shown that protected areas and habitat restoration can be effective in mitigating some of these threats, although these interventions need to be scaled significantly to meet global biodiversity targets (Langhammer et al., 2024).

The use of animals in research remains a contentious issue, with approximately 100 million animals used in laboratory settings worldwide each year. Despite advancements in alternative research methods, including in vitro and computational models, the transition away from animal testing has been slow (Animal Charity Evaluators, n.d.). The ethical concerns surrounding animal testing, along with the push for more humane and scientifically advanced research methods, are driving ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on animals in laboratories.

Marine life faces significant risks from human activities, including overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. Over 800 marine species are affected by plastic pollution alone, with millions of animals dying annually due to ingestion or entanglement in plastic debris (Rethink Priorities, 2023). Sustainable fishing practices and the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have shown promise in protecting marine biodiversity, but these efforts must be expanded to address the scale of the problem effectively (Giving What We Can, n.d.).

While all subcategories within animal welfare have critical needs, certain subcategories and regions require immediate attention due to the scale of the challenges

Farm animal welfare and wildlife conservation are particularly critical due to the vast number of animals affected and the rapid degradation of their environments.

The Amazon rainforest, Southeast Asia, and African savannas are among the most crucial areas where conservation efforts need to be intensified to prevent further biodiversity loss and preserve ecosystems.

These challenges highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy reforms to address systemic issues threatening animal welfare globally.

Addressing the diverse challenges in animal welfare requires a multi-pronged approach that includes both systemic changes and targeted interventions. Below are some of the most effective programs and interventions that have been shown to improve overall animal welfare.

Spay/neuter programs are crucial in controlling the overpopulation of companion animals, thereby reducing the number of animals entering shelters and the rates of euthanasia. Adoption initiatives, bolstered by public education campaigns, have played a significant role in finding homes for millions of animals, decreasing the burden on shelters and reducing euthanasia rates (Vox, 2019).

Programs such as "Certified Humane" and "Animal Welfare Approved" have been instrumental in improving the living conditions of farm animals. These certifications enforce standards that provide animals with adequate space, access to the outdoors, and the ability to engage in natural behaviors. These programs have also been effective in raising consumer awareness and shifting market demand towards more ethically produced animal products (Giving What We Can, n.d.; Vox, 2019).

Protected areas and habitat restoration initiatives are vital for preserving biodiversity and protecting wildlife from threats such as poaching and habitat destruction. Studies show that conservation interventions, including the establishment of protected areas and the restoration of degraded habitats, have significantly improved biodiversity outcomes. These efforts are especially critical in regions like the Amazon and Southeast Asia, where habitat loss is most severe (Langhammer et al., 2024).

Sustainable fishing practices, such as bycatch reduction devices and the implementation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), have been critical in preserving marine biodiversity and improving the welfare of marine species. MPAs, in particular, have been shown to increase fish populations and restore marine ecosystems, providing significant benefits to both marine life and the communities that depend on them (Rethink Priorities, 2023; Giving What We Can, n.d.).

These interventions represent some of the most effective strategies for improving animal welfare globally. By addressing the root causes of animal suffering and implementing evidence-based practices, these initiatives provide scalable solutions that can be adapted to meet the needs of animals across different regions and contexts.

By focusing on these criteria, the Causeway Fund aims to maximize the impact of its investments in animal welfare, contributing to a more humane and sustainable world.

• Magnitude of Impact: Programs that address issues affecting large numbers of animals, such as factory farming or wildlife conservation, are prioritized for their broad potential impact.

• Feasibility: Programs with a clear and feasible plan for achieving and sustaining positive outcomes are favored.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Programs that offer significant welfare improvements at a relatively low cost are prioritized, ensuring efficient use of funds.

• Evidence of Success: Programs with a strong track record of success, supported by data and case studies, are prioritized to ensure continued positive outcomes.

The percent of the fund allocated to the nonprofit will be based on the following factors:

• Reach: The number of animals potentially reached by the interventions based on their annual reports or geographic scope.

• Effectiveness of the intervention:  Organizations addressing high impact issues, such as farmed animals and wild animals, with proven interventions will be provided a greater allocation. When the evidence isn’t clear, the allocations will be equally distributed.

• Caveat: Often, a nonprofit’s annual reporting or descriptions of interventions are not precise enough to make clear distinctions. When that is the case, we will default to an equal allocation of resources.