THE WELFARE FOOTPRINT PROJECT
is a scientific effort to quantify and map animal welfare across living conditions, production systems, environments and species. To this end, the cumulative load of affective experiences endured by animals is quantified using a biologically meaningful metric: time in affective states (of physical or psychological origin) of different intensities. The project brings together scientific evidence from multiple disciplines, rigorous analytical processes and transparency to inform decision-making. By offering a universal and meaningful metric of animal welfare with cross-disciplinary applicability, the framework enables the much needed integration of animal welfare into policy- and decision-making in multiple areas.