Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) was formed in 1967 by dairy farmer Peter Roberts in response to the increasing popularity of 1960’s intensive farming methods. Peter and his wife Anna were troubled by the disregard for farm animal welfare and without the support of other major animal welfare groups, Peter began campaigning himself to promote the humane treatment of farm animals as sentient beings.

Almost 40 years later, CIWF now has international reach, with branches in Ireland, France and Holland, contacts throughout Europe and around the world. In addition, it leads the European Coalition for Farm Animals (ECFA) which consists of 30 animal welfare groups in 25 different countries. By co-ordinating ECFA campaigns with 150 other groups world-wide, the alliance have become a powerful, collaborative force.

Always striving in their mission to “advance the well being of farm animals world-wide”, CIWF use practical techniques and strategies to achieve honorable objectives. With the help of a strong support-network of friends and celebrities, such as British actress Joanna Lumley, their activities include: peaceful protest, lobbying, raising awareness, producing scientific reports and exposing the maltreatment of animals with undercover teams producing vital evidence. Consequently, landmark changes to European Law have been attained. A few of their many notable achievements are:

1997: Following CIWF’s 10-year campaign, animals gain legal recognition as Sentient Beings in the EU, resulting in the addition of an animal welfare Protocol to the European Treaty.  

1999: In the UK legislation is introduced to ban fur farming from 1st January 2003, sow stalls (gestation crates) and tethers become illegal and the EU decides to ban battery cages by 1st January 2012.

2001: The EU decides to ban sow stalls (gestation crates) from 1st January 2013.

The work of the CIWF is ongoing and there are many current campaigns. One of these is the “Eat Less Meat” campaign which was launched in 2004 at a London event, with contributions from leading environmentalist Jonathon Porritt and food policy expert Professor Tim Lang. A range of materials supports the campaign, including the extremely poignant report, “The Global Benefits of Eating Less Meat”; an informative and factual document discussing the urgent and inter-related issues of sustainability, environmental impact, human health, animal welfare and global economics. The conclusion warns us that if the world continues to depend upon animals for food, combined with the trend of developing countries adopting a ‘Western Diet’ then we face a “catastrophic strain upon the Earth’s resources, with potentially disastrous consequences for human health and hunger, the natural environment and animal needs.”

Another campaign called “Animals Matter to Me” requires the collection of 10 million signatures from the public, which individuals can provide online in a matter of seconds at http://www.animalsmatter.org. Together, CIWF, RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals), HSI (Humane Society International) and other organisations will use these signatures to demonstrate to world governments that they and the public are determined to acquire a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare at the United Nations.

The achievements of the CIWF provide wonderful examples of the elevated consciousness of our planet and of the positive improvements we can make by unifying our practical efforts and spiritual wisdom.

Links:
1. Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) website: http://www.ciwf.org.uk
2. Eat Less Meat: http://www.ciwf.org.uk/eatlessmeat
3. “The Global Benefits of Eating Less Meat” report (downloadable pdf file): http://www.ciwf.org.uk/eatlessmeat/html/report.html