GITNUXREPORT 2026

Animal Welfare Statistics

The vast majority of farmed animals endure chronic suffering in global industrial systems.

Alexander Schmidt

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

In the United States, over 99% of farm animals, including approximately 9 billion chickens, 130 million pigs, and 265 million turkeys annually, are raised in factory farms under intensive confinement.

Statistic 2

Globally, factory farming accounts for 70% of all poultry production, with chickens confined in spaces as small as 0.7 square feet per bird in battery cages.

Statistic 3

In the EU, over 350 million laying hens are kept in caged systems, where each hen has less space than a piece of A4 paper (approximately 750 cm²).

Statistic 4

US dairy cows produce 30% more milk today than in 1950 due to genetic selection and hormones, leading to lameness in 25-55% of cows.

Statistic 5

Approximately 70 billion land animals are killed for food each year worldwide, with 80% raised in factory farms suffering from chronic stress and disease.

Statistic 6

In Brazil, 90% of pigs are raised in intensive systems, with gestation crates limiting sows to 2m x 0.6m spaces for up to 4 years of breeding life.

Statistic 7

Indian dairy industry confines over 300 million cows and buffaloes, many tied in stalls too small to lie down comfortably for 70% of their lives.

Statistic 8

China raises 14 billion chickens annually in factory farms, where broilers reach slaughter weight in 35-42 days, half the time of 50 years ago, causing skeletal disorders in 30%.

Statistic 9

In the UK, 80% of farmed salmon are kept in sea cages with densities up to 25kg/m³, leading to sea lice infestations affecting 50% of fish.

Statistic 10

US egg industry houses 300 million hens, 95% in battery cages providing 67 square inches per hen, less than a standard CD case.

Statistic 11

Approximately 25 million cattle are raised in US feedlots annually, where 30-50% suffer from respiratory diseases due to overcrowding.

Statistic 12

In Mexico, 70% of pork production uses gestation stalls, confining sows in 2x2 foot spaces for 16 weeks of pregnancy.

Statistic 13

Australian sheep farms export 3 million live sheep annually, with 20% mortality rates on voyages due to heat stress in cramped ships.

Statistic 14

In Canada, 12 million turkeys are farmed yearly, 90% in barns with densities of 1 sq ft per bird, causing ammonia burns on 40% of birds.

Statistic 15

Russia confines 50 million ducks in factory farms, with forced molting practices depriving 80% of food and water for 2-3 weeks annually.

Statistic 16

South Africa raises 1.2 billion broilers yearly, with 25% mortality from ascites and leg disorders due to rapid growth in confined spaces.

Statistic 17

In the US, 91% of Amazon rainforest deforestation is linked to cattle ranching, displacing wildlife for 200 million cattle.

Statistic 18

EU veal calves (1 million annually) are confined in crates 1.5m x 0.8m until 6 months, preventing natural behaviors for 95% of life.

Statistic 19

Japan imports 80% of its pork from factory farms, where pigs have 0.5m² space, leading to tail biting in 30% of herds.

Statistic 20

In Turkey, 500 million chickens are raised in cages, with beak trimming performed on 100% without anesthesia, causing chronic pain.

Statistic 21

US broiler chickens (9 billion/year) have 0.65 sq ft space, with 1% dying daily from heart failure due to breeding for fast growth.

Statistic 22

In Argentina, 50 million pigs endure gestation crates, with 15% neonatal mortality from crushing due to confinement stress.

Statistic 23

New Zealand dairy cows (6 million) walk 1-3km daily to milking sheds, with 25% developing lameness from concrete paths.

Statistic 24

In the Philippines, 200 million layer hens live in wire cages, causing keel bone fractures in 60-80% of birds.

Statistic 25

France raises 1 billion rabbits annually in wire cages (24x39cm), with 40% footpad dermatitis from barren floors.

Statistic 26

In the US, 2.2 million ostriches and emus suffer in intensive farms with clipped wings, unable to dust bathe or forage.

Statistic 27

Thailand's 300 million ducks are force-fed antibiotics, with 50% resistance rates leading to higher mortality.

Statistic 28

In Egypt, 100 million quail are battery caged, with densities causing 30% cannibalism rates.

Statistic 29

Spain's 45 million pigs include 90% in slatted floors causing lameness in 20%.

Statistic 30

In the US, approximately 22 million dogs and 115 million cats are used in research annually, but actual figures are around 1 million due to reporting gaps.

Statistic 31

Globally, 192 million animals are used in experiments each year, with China leading at 20 million without welfare laws.

Statistic 32

In the EU, 9.5 million animals were used for research in 2021, including 1.9 million mice genetically modified for pain studies.

Statistic 33

US labs conduct toxicity tests on 500,000 rats and mice yearly via LD50 method, forcing poison until 50% die.

Statistic 34

Japan uses 1.2 million animals in labs annually, with 40% primates subjected to maternal deprivation experiments.

Statistic 35

In the UK, 2.8 million procedures on 817,000 animals in 2022, 97% on mice, including 200,000 for genetic engineering.

Statistic 36

India conducts experiments on 2-3 million animals yearly, often street dogs in crude surgeries without anesthesia.

Statistic 37

Australia uses 500,000 animals in research, with sheep in neonatal pain studies enduring 72-hour restraints.

Statistic 38

Canada reports 3.4 million animals in labs in 2021, including 50,000 fish in toxicity tests with acid exposure.

Statistic 39

Brazil uses 400,000 animals yearly, 60% rodents in forced swim depression models without ethical oversight.

Statistic 40

South Korea experiments on 1.5 million animals, including dogs in beagle colony for chemical toxicity inhaling fumes 6 hours/day.

Statistic 41

In the US, 80% of lab monkeys are imported, with 10,000 macaques enduring head implants for neuroscience.

Statistic 42

EU cosmetic testing banned but 115,000 animals still used for chemicals, including Draize eye test on rabbits.

Statistic 43

China’s labs use 20 million animals, with no regulations allowing brain surgeries on pigs without pain relief.

Statistic 44

UK bred 100,000 genetically altered mice in 2022 for cancer models, enduring tumors covering 20% body surface.

Statistic 45

In Germany, 2.5 million animals used, 30% fish in neurotoxicity tests exposed to pesticides.

Statistic 46

Russia reports 1 million lab animals, including hamsters in viral vector injections for vaccine trials.

Statistic 47

Mexico uses 200,000 animals in universities, with cats in spinal cord injury models paralyzed for months.

Statistic 48

In the US, neonatal monkeys are separated from mothers at 1 day old for isolation studies causing self-harm in 50%.

Statistic 49

EU 2021 data: 12,000 dogs used, mostly beagles in cardiovascular implant tests with open chest surgery.

Statistic 50

Japan’s 15,000 primates in labs endure restraint chairs 22 hours/day for addiction studies with cocaine dosing.

Statistic 51

In the US, 75,000 cats used yearly in vision research, with eyes sewn shut for weeks.

Statistic 52

Canada’s 20,000 pigs in xenotransplant research have organs harvested while conscious.

Statistic 53

South Africa uses 50,000 animals, including baboons in HIV models with repeated liver biopsies.

Statistic 54

In the US, 6 million animals suffer in toxicity tests yearly, including hamsters force-fed pesticides until organ failure.

Statistic 55

Globally, 10 billion fish used in labs, enduring surgical procedures without anesthesia in 80% cases.

Statistic 56

UK horses (10,000/year) endure stamina tests to exhaustion on treadmills.

Statistic 57

In the EU, 500,000 rabbits used for skin sensitization, with chemicals applied to shaved backs causing burns.

Statistic 58

US ferrets (5,000/year) in flu vaccine production have nasal flu virus instilled, causing pneumonia.

Statistic 59

Approximately 6.5 million companion animals are euthanized in US shelters annually, with 920,000 cats and 390,000 dogs.

Statistic 60

In the UK, 120,000 dogs enter shelters yearly, 20% euthanized due to overpopulation from puppy mills.

Statistic 61

Globally, 500 million dogs live as strays, with 25 million euthanized yearly, mostly in Asia.

Statistic 62

US puppy mills produce 2 million dogs annually, with 80% females bred every 6 months in wire cages.

Statistic 63

In Australia, 40,000 cats euthanized in shelters yearly, 70% healthy but unadopted.

Statistic 64

India has 30 million stray dogs, with 20,000 rabies deaths yearly linked to poor welfare.

Statistic 65

Brazil shelters euthanize 1 million dogs/cats yearly due to abandonment rates of 20% from pet owners.

Statistic 66

In Canada, 100,000 cats enter shelters annually, 30% never adopted and euthanized.

Statistic 67

China urban areas see 50 million pet dogs, but 10 million abandoned yearly to street life.

Statistic 68

US declawing performed on 14 million cats lifetime, causing chronic pain and arthritis in 80%.

Statistic 69

In the EU, 50 million dogs owned, but 5% suffer neglect leading to obesity in 40%.

Statistic 70

South Africa has 9 million stray dogs, with 70% hit by cars or poisoned.

Statistic 71

Japan euthanizes 13,000 dogs and 20,000 cats yearly in municipal pounds.

Statistic 72

In Mexico, 70% of 18 million dogs are unowned strays suffering malnutrition.

Statistic 73

Russia abandons 100,000 pets yearly post-holidays, leading to shelter euthanasia rates of 60%.

Statistic 74

In the US, 10% of owned dogs (10 million) suffer abuse, with 1 million reported cases.

Statistic 75

UK cosmetic testing on pets banned, but 1,000 dogs used in home toxicity studies yearly.

Statistic 76

Australia greyhound racing kills 13,000 dogs in last decade via euthanasia post-injury.

Statistic 77

In India, 80% of working dogs suffer untreated mange and fractures.

Statistic 78

US cats (74 million owned) 30% roam free, causing 2.4 billion bird deaths yearly.

Statistic 79

In Brazil, cockfighting involves 10 million birds yearly, with 70% dying in fights.

Statistic 80

Canada horse slaughter exports 10,000 annually, mostly ex-racehorses drugged and unfit.

Statistic 81

China dog meat festival kills 10,000 dogs yearly via beating for tender meat.

Statistic 82

EU ferret breeding for pets leads to 50,000 euthanized due to genetic defects.

Statistic 83

US aquarium trade imports 11 million fish yearly, 40% die in transit from poor welfare.

Statistic 84

In the US, 70-80 million feral cats exist, euthanizing 1.5 million yearly in TNR failures.

Statistic 85

UK hamster ownership leads to 20% neglect cases with cannibalism from overcrowding.

Statistic 86

In the US, 40 billion chickens slaughtered yearly, 70% shackled upside down conscious for 2-3 minutes.

Statistic 87

EU slaughters 5.5 billion animals yearly, with 10% poultry not stunned properly, regaining consciousness during bleeding.

Statistic 88

Globally, 3 trillion fish killed yearly, 80% suffocated alive without stunning.

Statistic 89

US pigs (130 million/year) 5-10% experience broken bones during transport to slaughter.

Statistic 90

In Brazil, 40 million cattle exported live, 15% die on ships from starvation and trampling.

Statistic 91

Australian live sheep exports (3 million/year) have 2-5% mortality, higher in heatwaves up to 20%.

Statistic 92

China ritual slaughter of 10,000 dogs/year involves skinning alive for fur and meat.

Statistic 93

US horses (20,000 exported) slaughtered after 36-hour transports without food/water.

Statistic 94

In the UK, 80 million chickens gassed with CO2, taking 2-3 minutes of distress before unconsciousness.

Statistic 95

India slaughters 5 billion animals yearly, 90% without stunning via throat cutting while conscious.

Statistic 96

Mexico bullfights kill 250,000 bulls yearly, stabbed multiple times before death.

Statistic 97

In Canada, 2 million mink killed yearly by gassing or anal electrocution on fur farms.

Statistic 98

Russia live poultry exports suffer 1-3% mortality from crushing in crates.

Statistic 99

South Korea dog meat industry slaughters 2 million dogs/year via hanging and beating.

Statistic 100

EU ritual slaughter without stunning for 44 million animals yearly, causing 20-60 seconds of pain.

Statistic 101

US calves (4.5 million/year) transported 8-12 hours pre-slaughter, 10% DFD meat from stress.

Statistic 102

Turkey slaughters 1.5 billion chickens, 20% with broken wings from rough handling.

Statistic 103

In Argentina, 13 million cattle stunned with bolt guns, 5% ineffective leading to repeated shots.

Statistic 104

New Zealand lambs (20 million exported live) endure 17-day voyages with 2% mortality.

Statistic 105

Philippines cockle shooting kills birds with nails through brains for meat tenderness.

Statistic 106

France foie gras production force-feeds 20 million ducks/geese, livers swollen 10x, slaughtered by neck cutting.

Statistic 107

US turkeys (265 million/year) 3% suffer failed stunning, throats slit conscious.

Statistic 108

In Egypt, 1 billion pigeons slaughtered yearly, many live-plucked for squab meat.

Statistic 109

Spain kills 3 million rabbits for meat, gassed in chambers causing convulsions.

Statistic 110

Globally, wildlife trafficking affects 1 million pangolins killed yearly for scales and meat.

Statistic 111

African elephants lose 30,000 individuals annually to poaching for ivory, down from 100,000 in 2011.

Statistic 112

Coral reefs, home to 25% of marine life, have lost 50% cover since 1950 due to habitat destruction.

Statistic 113

In the Amazon, 17-20% deforestation since 1970 has displaced 10,000 jaguar populations.

Statistic 114

Global shark fin trade kills 73 million sharks yearly, with fins cut off live and bodies discarded.

Statistic 115

Orangutans lost 100,000 since 1999 due to palm oil plantations destroying habitat.

Statistic 116

In Africa, 35,000 rhinos poached since 2006 for horns, now only 27,000 left.

Statistic 117

Ocean plastic pollution kills 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals yearly.

Statistic 118

Bats, 1,400 species, face 50% extinction risk from habitat loss and white-nose syndrome killing millions.

Statistic 119

Australian koalas declined 30% since 2018 due to bushfires destroying 1 billion animals' habitats.

Statistic 120

Global bee populations lost 40% yearly in US from pesticides and habitat loss.

Statistic 121

Tigers reduced to 3,900 wild individuals from 100,000 a century ago due to poaching and fragmentation.

Statistic 122

In the Arctic, polar bears lost 30% sea ice habitat since 1980, starving 20% of cubs.

Statistic 123

African lions declined 43% in 20 years to 20,000 due to trophy hunting and snares.

Statistic 124

Amphibians: 40% species threatened, chytrid fungus killed 500 species since 1980.

Statistic 125

US monarch butterflies declined 80% to 2,000 since 1990s from milkweed loss.

Statistic 126

Vaquitas, rare porpoise, only 10 left due to illegal gillnets in Gulf of California.

Statistic 127

Galapagos tortoises: 200,000 poached since 1960s for meat, now recovering slowly.

Statistic 128

In Asia, 35 million wild birds trapped yearly for pet trade.

Statistic 129

North Atlantic right whales: only 350 left, 20% annual mortality from ship strikes.

Statistic 130

Saola, antelope-like, fewer than 100 left due to snares in Vietnam/Laos.

Statistic 131

Hawaiian birds: 75 species extinct since human arrival, habitat loss key factor.

Statistic 132

Yangtze finless porpoise down to 1,000 from 5,000 in 1980s due to dams.

Statistic 133

Przewalski's horse: 2,000 wild from near-extinction, but habitat fencing limits migration.

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While the scale of global animal suffering is almost incomprehensible, the stark statistics revealing that over 70 billion land animals are killed for food each year, with the vast majority raised in conditions of severe confinement and chronic stress, demand our immediate attention and compassion.

Key Takeaways

  • In the United States, over 99% of farm animals, including approximately 9 billion chickens, 130 million pigs, and 265 million turkeys annually, are raised in factory farms under intensive confinement.
  • Globally, factory farming accounts for 70% of all poultry production, with chickens confined in spaces as small as 0.7 square feet per bird in battery cages.
  • In the EU, over 350 million laying hens are kept in caged systems, where each hen has less space than a piece of A4 paper (approximately 750 cm²).
  • In the US, approximately 22 million dogs and 115 million cats are used in research annually, but actual figures are around 1 million due to reporting gaps.
  • Globally, 192 million animals are used in experiments each year, with China leading at 20 million without welfare laws.
  • In the EU, 9.5 million animals were used for research in 2021, including 1.9 million mice genetically modified for pain studies.
  • Approximately 6.5 million companion animals are euthanized in US shelters annually, with 920,000 cats and 390,000 dogs.
  • In the UK, 120,000 dogs enter shelters yearly, 20% euthanized due to overpopulation from puppy mills.
  • Globally, 500 million dogs live as strays, with 25 million euthanized yearly, mostly in Asia.
  • Globally, wildlife trafficking affects 1 million pangolins killed yearly for scales and meat.
  • African elephants lose 30,000 individuals annually to poaching for ivory, down from 100,000 in 2011.
  • Coral reefs, home to 25% of marine life, have lost 50% cover since 1950 due to habitat destruction.
  • In the US, 40 billion chickens slaughtered yearly, 70% shackled upside down conscious for 2-3 minutes.
  • EU slaughters 5.5 billion animals yearly, with 10% poultry not stunned properly, regaining consciousness during bleeding.
  • Globally, 3 trillion fish killed yearly, 80% suffocated alive without stunning.

The vast majority of farmed animals endure chronic suffering in global industrial systems.

Farm Animals

  • In the United States, over 99% of farm animals, including approximately 9 billion chickens, 130 million pigs, and 265 million turkeys annually, are raised in factory farms under intensive confinement.
  • Globally, factory farming accounts for 70% of all poultry production, with chickens confined in spaces as small as 0.7 square feet per bird in battery cages.
  • In the EU, over 350 million laying hens are kept in caged systems, where each hen has less space than a piece of A4 paper (approximately 750 cm²).
  • US dairy cows produce 30% more milk today than in 1950 due to genetic selection and hormones, leading to lameness in 25-55% of cows.
  • Approximately 70 billion land animals are killed for food each year worldwide, with 80% raised in factory farms suffering from chronic stress and disease.
  • In Brazil, 90% of pigs are raised in intensive systems, with gestation crates limiting sows to 2m x 0.6m spaces for up to 4 years of breeding life.
  • Indian dairy industry confines over 300 million cows and buffaloes, many tied in stalls too small to lie down comfortably for 70% of their lives.
  • China raises 14 billion chickens annually in factory farms, where broilers reach slaughter weight in 35-42 days, half the time of 50 years ago, causing skeletal disorders in 30%.
  • In the UK, 80% of farmed salmon are kept in sea cages with densities up to 25kg/m³, leading to sea lice infestations affecting 50% of fish.
  • US egg industry houses 300 million hens, 95% in battery cages providing 67 square inches per hen, less than a standard CD case.
  • Approximately 25 million cattle are raised in US feedlots annually, where 30-50% suffer from respiratory diseases due to overcrowding.
  • In Mexico, 70% of pork production uses gestation stalls, confining sows in 2x2 foot spaces for 16 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Australian sheep farms export 3 million live sheep annually, with 20% mortality rates on voyages due to heat stress in cramped ships.
  • In Canada, 12 million turkeys are farmed yearly, 90% in barns with densities of 1 sq ft per bird, causing ammonia burns on 40% of birds.
  • Russia confines 50 million ducks in factory farms, with forced molting practices depriving 80% of food and water for 2-3 weeks annually.
  • South Africa raises 1.2 billion broilers yearly, with 25% mortality from ascites and leg disorders due to rapid growth in confined spaces.
  • In the US, 91% of Amazon rainforest deforestation is linked to cattle ranching, displacing wildlife for 200 million cattle.
  • EU veal calves (1 million annually) are confined in crates 1.5m x 0.8m until 6 months, preventing natural behaviors for 95% of life.
  • Japan imports 80% of its pork from factory farms, where pigs have 0.5m² space, leading to tail biting in 30% of herds.
  • In Turkey, 500 million chickens are raised in cages, with beak trimming performed on 100% without anesthesia, causing chronic pain.
  • US broiler chickens (9 billion/year) have 0.65 sq ft space, with 1% dying daily from heart failure due to breeding for fast growth.
  • In Argentina, 50 million pigs endure gestation crates, with 15% neonatal mortality from crushing due to confinement stress.
  • New Zealand dairy cows (6 million) walk 1-3km daily to milking sheds, with 25% developing lameness from concrete paths.
  • In the Philippines, 200 million layer hens live in wire cages, causing keel bone fractures in 60-80% of birds.
  • France raises 1 billion rabbits annually in wire cages (24x39cm), with 40% footpad dermatitis from barren floors.
  • In the US, 2.2 million ostriches and emus suffer in intensive farms with clipped wings, unable to dust bathe or forage.
  • Thailand's 300 million ducks are force-fed antibiotics, with 50% resistance rates leading to higher mortality.
  • In Egypt, 100 million quail are battery caged, with densities causing 30% cannibalism rates.
  • Spain's 45 million pigs include 90% in slatted floors causing lameness in 20%.

Farm Animals Interpretation

If you distilled all of modern animal farming into one grim sentence, it would be this: the relentless pursuit of efficiency has industrialized life itself, turning countless sentient beings into units of production living in a state of perpetual, legislated distress.

Lab Animals

  • In the US, approximately 22 million dogs and 115 million cats are used in research annually, but actual figures are around 1 million due to reporting gaps.
  • Globally, 192 million animals are used in experiments each year, with China leading at 20 million without welfare laws.
  • In the EU, 9.5 million animals were used for research in 2021, including 1.9 million mice genetically modified for pain studies.
  • US labs conduct toxicity tests on 500,000 rats and mice yearly via LD50 method, forcing poison until 50% die.
  • Japan uses 1.2 million animals in labs annually, with 40% primates subjected to maternal deprivation experiments.
  • In the UK, 2.8 million procedures on 817,000 animals in 2022, 97% on mice, including 200,000 for genetic engineering.
  • India conducts experiments on 2-3 million animals yearly, often street dogs in crude surgeries without anesthesia.
  • Australia uses 500,000 animals in research, with sheep in neonatal pain studies enduring 72-hour restraints.
  • Canada reports 3.4 million animals in labs in 2021, including 50,000 fish in toxicity tests with acid exposure.
  • Brazil uses 400,000 animals yearly, 60% rodents in forced swim depression models without ethical oversight.
  • South Korea experiments on 1.5 million animals, including dogs in beagle colony for chemical toxicity inhaling fumes 6 hours/day.
  • In the US, 80% of lab monkeys are imported, with 10,000 macaques enduring head implants for neuroscience.
  • EU cosmetic testing banned but 115,000 animals still used for chemicals, including Draize eye test on rabbits.
  • China’s labs use 20 million animals, with no regulations allowing brain surgeries on pigs without pain relief.
  • UK bred 100,000 genetically altered mice in 2022 for cancer models, enduring tumors covering 20% body surface.
  • In Germany, 2.5 million animals used, 30% fish in neurotoxicity tests exposed to pesticides.
  • Russia reports 1 million lab animals, including hamsters in viral vector injections for vaccine trials.
  • Mexico uses 200,000 animals in universities, with cats in spinal cord injury models paralyzed for months.
  • In the US, neonatal monkeys are separated from mothers at 1 day old for isolation studies causing self-harm in 50%.
  • EU 2021 data: 12,000 dogs used, mostly beagles in cardiovascular implant tests with open chest surgery.
  • Japan’s 15,000 primates in labs endure restraint chairs 22 hours/day for addiction studies with cocaine dosing.
  • In the US, 75,000 cats used yearly in vision research, with eyes sewn shut for weeks.
  • Canada’s 20,000 pigs in xenotransplant research have organs harvested while conscious.
  • South Africa uses 50,000 animals, including baboons in HIV models with repeated liver biopsies.
  • In the US, 6 million animals suffer in toxicity tests yearly, including hamsters force-fed pesticides until organ failure.
  • Globally, 10 billion fish used in labs, enduring surgical procedures without anesthesia in 80% cases.
  • UK horses (10,000/year) endure stamina tests to exhaustion on treadmills.
  • In the EU, 500,000 rabbits used for skin sensitization, with chemicals applied to shaved backs causing burns.
  • US ferrets (5,000/year) in flu vaccine production have nasal flu virus instilled, causing pneumonia.

Lab Animals Interpretation

If the staggering, often obscured global scale of animal research teaches us anything, it's that humanity's quest for knowledge has built a hidden and colossal empire of suffering, where the statistics are not just numbers but a ledger of pain meticulously recorded in the silence of laboratories worldwide.

Pets

  • Approximately 6.5 million companion animals are euthanized in US shelters annually, with 920,000 cats and 390,000 dogs.
  • In the UK, 120,000 dogs enter shelters yearly, 20% euthanized due to overpopulation from puppy mills.
  • Globally, 500 million dogs live as strays, with 25 million euthanized yearly, mostly in Asia.
  • US puppy mills produce 2 million dogs annually, with 80% females bred every 6 months in wire cages.
  • In Australia, 40,000 cats euthanized in shelters yearly, 70% healthy but unadopted.
  • India has 30 million stray dogs, with 20,000 rabies deaths yearly linked to poor welfare.
  • Brazil shelters euthanize 1 million dogs/cats yearly due to abandonment rates of 20% from pet owners.
  • In Canada, 100,000 cats enter shelters annually, 30% never adopted and euthanized.
  • China urban areas see 50 million pet dogs, but 10 million abandoned yearly to street life.
  • US declawing performed on 14 million cats lifetime, causing chronic pain and arthritis in 80%.
  • In the EU, 50 million dogs owned, but 5% suffer neglect leading to obesity in 40%.
  • South Africa has 9 million stray dogs, with 70% hit by cars or poisoned.
  • Japan euthanizes 13,000 dogs and 20,000 cats yearly in municipal pounds.
  • In Mexico, 70% of 18 million dogs are unowned strays suffering malnutrition.
  • Russia abandons 100,000 pets yearly post-holidays, leading to shelter euthanasia rates of 60%.
  • In the US, 10% of owned dogs (10 million) suffer abuse, with 1 million reported cases.
  • UK cosmetic testing on pets banned, but 1,000 dogs used in home toxicity studies yearly.
  • Australia greyhound racing kills 13,000 dogs in last decade via euthanasia post-injury.
  • In India, 80% of working dogs suffer untreated mange and fractures.
  • US cats (74 million owned) 30% roam free, causing 2.4 billion bird deaths yearly.
  • In Brazil, cockfighting involves 10 million birds yearly, with 70% dying in fights.
  • Canada horse slaughter exports 10,000 annually, mostly ex-racehorses drugged and unfit.
  • China dog meat festival kills 10,000 dogs yearly via beating for tender meat.
  • EU ferret breeding for pets leads to 50,000 euthanized due to genetic defects.
  • US aquarium trade imports 11 million fish yearly, 40% die in transit from poor welfare.
  • In the US, 70-80 million feral cats exist, euthanizing 1.5 million yearly in TNR failures.
  • UK hamster ownership leads to 20% neglect cases with cannibalism from overcrowding.

Pets Interpretation

Behind every sterile statistic lies a profound and preventable cruelty, proving our global failure to extend the basic decency we demand for ourselves to the creatures who share our world.

Slaughter

  • In the US, 40 billion chickens slaughtered yearly, 70% shackled upside down conscious for 2-3 minutes.
  • EU slaughters 5.5 billion animals yearly, with 10% poultry not stunned properly, regaining consciousness during bleeding.
  • Globally, 3 trillion fish killed yearly, 80% suffocated alive without stunning.
  • US pigs (130 million/year) 5-10% experience broken bones during transport to slaughter.
  • In Brazil, 40 million cattle exported live, 15% die on ships from starvation and trampling.
  • Australian live sheep exports (3 million/year) have 2-5% mortality, higher in heatwaves up to 20%.
  • China ritual slaughter of 10,000 dogs/year involves skinning alive for fur and meat.
  • US horses (20,000 exported) slaughtered after 36-hour transports without food/water.
  • In the UK, 80 million chickens gassed with CO2, taking 2-3 minutes of distress before unconsciousness.
  • India slaughters 5 billion animals yearly, 90% without stunning via throat cutting while conscious.
  • Mexico bullfights kill 250,000 bulls yearly, stabbed multiple times before death.
  • In Canada, 2 million mink killed yearly by gassing or anal electrocution on fur farms.
  • Russia live poultry exports suffer 1-3% mortality from crushing in crates.
  • South Korea dog meat industry slaughters 2 million dogs/year via hanging and beating.
  • EU ritual slaughter without stunning for 44 million animals yearly, causing 20-60 seconds of pain.
  • US calves (4.5 million/year) transported 8-12 hours pre-slaughter, 10% DFD meat from stress.
  • Turkey slaughters 1.5 billion chickens, 20% with broken wings from rough handling.
  • In Argentina, 13 million cattle stunned with bolt guns, 5% ineffective leading to repeated shots.
  • New Zealand lambs (20 million exported live) endure 17-day voyages with 2% mortality.
  • Philippines cockle shooting kills birds with nails through brains for meat tenderness.
  • France foie gras production force-feeds 20 million ducks/geese, livers swollen 10x, slaughtered by neck cutting.
  • US turkeys (265 million/year) 3% suffer failed stunning, throats slit conscious.
  • In Egypt, 1 billion pigeons slaughtered yearly, many live-plucked for squab meat.
  • Spain kills 3 million rabbits for meat, gassed in chambers causing convulsions.

Slaughter Interpretation

Behind the sanitized statistics of industrial farming lies a world of colossal, routine suffering, where billions of sentient creatures are processed in ways that would be unthinkable cruelty if applied to any animal we consider a pet.

Wildlife

  • Globally, wildlife trafficking affects 1 million pangolins killed yearly for scales and meat.
  • African elephants lose 30,000 individuals annually to poaching for ivory, down from 100,000 in 2011.
  • Coral reefs, home to 25% of marine life, have lost 50% cover since 1950 due to habitat destruction.
  • In the Amazon, 17-20% deforestation since 1970 has displaced 10,000 jaguar populations.
  • Global shark fin trade kills 73 million sharks yearly, with fins cut off live and bodies discarded.
  • Orangutans lost 100,000 since 1999 due to palm oil plantations destroying habitat.
  • In Africa, 35,000 rhinos poached since 2006 for horns, now only 27,000 left.
  • Ocean plastic pollution kills 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals yearly.
  • Bats, 1,400 species, face 50% extinction risk from habitat loss and white-nose syndrome killing millions.
  • Australian koalas declined 30% since 2018 due to bushfires destroying 1 billion animals' habitats.
  • Global bee populations lost 40% yearly in US from pesticides and habitat loss.
  • Tigers reduced to 3,900 wild individuals from 100,000 a century ago due to poaching and fragmentation.
  • In the Arctic, polar bears lost 30% sea ice habitat since 1980, starving 20% of cubs.
  • African lions declined 43% in 20 years to 20,000 due to trophy hunting and snares.
  • Amphibians: 40% species threatened, chytrid fungus killed 500 species since 1980.
  • US monarch butterflies declined 80% to 2,000 since 1990s from milkweed loss.
  • Vaquitas, rare porpoise, only 10 left due to illegal gillnets in Gulf of California.
  • Galapagos tortoises: 200,000 poached since 1960s for meat, now recovering slowly.
  • In Asia, 35 million wild birds trapped yearly for pet trade.
  • North Atlantic right whales: only 350 left, 20% annual mortality from ship strikes.
  • Saola, antelope-like, fewer than 100 left due to snares in Vietnam/Laos.
  • Hawaiian birds: 75 species extinct since human arrival, habitat loss key factor.
  • Yangtze finless porpoise down to 1,000 from 5,000 in 1980s due to dams.
  • Przewalski's horse: 2,000 wild from near-extinction, but habitat fencing limits migration.

Wildlife Interpretation

This grim and relentless ledger, where each entry is a monument to human appetite and indifference, reads as nature's ongoing obituary, penned in our hand.

Sources & References