Kathmandu— Driven by a growing interest in extending ethical considerations to nonhuman animals, a number of thinkers have recently explored what a pro-animal foreign policy might look like. From addressing climate change and pandemic prevention to reforming trade agreements and food systems, experts are calling for governments to integrate animal welfare into international relations. These proposals, gathered from interviews with activists, scholars, and conservationists, range from incremental reforms to radical systemic changes, all aimed at reducing animal suffering and promoting a more sustainable future.

Climate Action as Animal Advocacy

Many experts identified addressing climate change as the most impactful step towards a pro-animal foreign policy. pattrice jones, cofounder of VINE Sanctuary, argued that tackling the climate emergency would inherently benefit animals facing existential threats due to habitat loss and extreme weather events. She suggested incorporating animal perspectives into high-level international conversations about climate solutions, alongside dietary shifts toward plant-based options.

Beyond climate mitigation, several contributors highlighted the link between war and animal suffering. Jones emphasized that a pro-animal policy would necessitate prioritizing peace, advocating for an end to arms sales except in cases of legitimate self-defense, and requiring broad international consensus before engaging in conflict.

Reforming Trade and Agriculture

A recurring theme was the need to reform trade agreements and agricultural policies. Martin Smedjeback, chairperson of Animal Save Sweden, advocated for increased investment in cultivated meat research and higher taxes on traditional animal products within the European Union. He believes a shift towards alternative proteins is crucial for environmental health, pandemic prevention, and animal welfare.

Others focused on ensuring equitable standards for imported goods. Moritz Stumpe, executive director of Animal Advocacy Africa, argued that the same welfare standards applied domestically should also apply to imports, protecting domestic farmers while promoting higher standards globally. He also called for an end to exporting equipment used in prohibited practices, like battery cages, to countries where they are still permitted.

Several experts, including Katherine Perlo and Marco Maurizi, suggested redirecting agricultural subsidies towards stock-free food production and sustainable land management projects as a key component of foreign aid.

Addressing Zoonotic Disease and Global Health

The connection between animal exploitation and the emergence of zoonotic diseases was another prominent concern. Merritt Clifton, editor of Animals 24-7, stressed the importance of enforcing existing international treaties related to wildlife trade and disease prevention, noting that the U.S. has a poor record of compliance.

Itai Roffman, co-executive director of the Jane Goodall Institute Israel, highlighted rainforest destruction and factory farming as major drivers of zoonotic pathogen spread, advocating for government collaboration on technological alternatives to meat production.

Legal Rights and Systemic Change

Some experts called for more radical systemic changes. Emilia A. Leese argued against seeking “plausible” reforms within a system inherently hostile to animals, instead advocating for legal personhood for all animals or a non-anthropocentric standard of beingness. Barry Kent MacKay suggested bans on mink farming and the import of live mustelids as potential foreign policy goals.

S. Marek Muller cautioned against Western nations imposing their animal welfare standards onto other cultures, emphasizing the need for humility and dialogue to allow for distinct forms of animal protection tailored to individual contexts.

Enforcement and Accountability

John Patrick, cofounder of Scotland for Animals, proposed linking foreign cooperation and assistance to basic nonhuman welfare reforms with effective deterrents. He argued that governments readily intervene diplomatically on behalf of wealth and industry and should apply the same zeal to animal protection.

Paul Shapiro, author of *Clean Meat*, advocated for using American financial resources and market access to drive systemic change, focusing on ending financing for intensive animal agriculture, prioritizing alternative protein development, and incorporating enforceable animal welfare provisions into trade agreements.

These diverse proposals demonstrate a growing recognition that animal welfare is not merely an ethical concern but also a critical component of global sustainability, public health, and international relations. While the path towards implementing these changes remains complex, the increasing calls for a pro-animal foreign policy signal a potential shift in how nations approach their responsibilities to all living beings.

(With inputs from CounterPunch)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.