Developed by the UK Farm Animal Welfare Council (1965, revised 1993), these are the global benchmark:

: Early legislation focused on preventing extreme physical cruelty, such as a 1635 law prohibiting "tearing wool off of living sheep" and "Humanity Dick" Martin's 1822 act to prevent cruelty to cattle.

While animal welfare focuses on the humane treatment of animals, the animal rights movement takes a more radical stance. Animal rights advocates argue that animals possess inherent rights, similar to those of humans, and should be treated as individuals with autonomy and dignity. This philosophy is rooted in the idea that animals are not mere commodities or resources, but sentient beings with their own interests and needs.