What Is Animal Welfare Worth? Economists Have a New Way to Calculate It

A new framework estimates the economic value of animal welfare for policymakers across the globe.

By: Emily Payne

Outlets: Sentient

Published: September 1, 2026

Words: 1,494

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 3 days ago

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Conducting a cost-benefit analysis is a standard part of policymaking. Lawmakers and regulators routinely calculate the economic value of civic improvements like cleaner air, safer roads, reduced emissions and public health protections.

But animal welfare lacks reliable ways of quantifying its benefits, says Richard Bennett, professor of agricultural economics at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom. This makes it harder for lawmakers to pass policies that may improve it.

“It just would prove very difficult …

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