News from the projects
In 2025/26 WTS supports four new initiatives advancing animal welfare education and practice across Nigeria, Ethiopia, Colombia, and Paraguay.
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is launching a groundbreaking project focused on fish welfare – an emerging area of animal welfare science that addresses the needs of aquatic species in production systems.
At Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia a clinical skills laboratory will be established where veterinary students can develop practical animal welfare competencies through hands-on training. This facility will bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Colombia’s project at UNIAGRARIA – Fundación Universitaria Agraria de Colombia takes an innovative approach to create enrichment protocols tailored to different farm animal species, enhancing their welfare while maintaining productive farming systems.
Finally, in Paraguay at the Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, international experts will deliver specialized training for lecturers and educators currently teaching animal welfare. This capacity-building initiative will strengthen the quality of animal welfare education throughout the region.
Nigeria: Advancing Fish Welfare through Training, Research, and Sustainable Aquaculture Practices
Paraguay: Advancing Animal Welfare Education: Teacher Training and Curriculum Renewal
Online Seminars
WTS launched the webinar series “How to: Animal welfare” to provide more information on current issues of animal welfare and to showcase good practice in rural development projects.
The latest webinar on Feb 6, 2026 discussed the assessment of fish welfare.
Animal Welfare Teaching Modules
Animal welfare is a key responsibility for animal healthcare providers. To support academic institutions, we developed the VETS UNITED Animal Welfare Teaching Modules, providing peer-reviewed, science-based resources to embed animal welfare into education.
Animal Welfare in Development Cooperation Platform
Promoting better animal welfare in development projects across the Global South, our platform provides access to guidelines, best practices, research, and training materials to help integrate animal welfare into development cooperation.
Universities Network
Animal welfare is becoming an increasingly prominent topic on the African continent as it seeks to align with global trends in ethical treatment, care, and protection of animals. Recognising animals as sentient beings and promoting their welfare is a growing priority. Universities and colleges, as centers of learning and innovation, are uniquely positioned to play a transformative role in advancing animal welfare.