The evolution of the various European Union (EU) treaties among member countries has involved an incremental inclusion of welfare norms, particularly for livestock. In 2009, the EU Health commissioner, Androulla Vassiliou stated that

“Higher animal welfare standards offer the prospect of a win-win situation for both consumers and producers. Consumers looking for welfare-friendly products can more easily identify them, and producers applying higher standards can market their products more effectively”.

Wildlife welfare, on the other hand, is being prejudiced by lack of control in international trade, as illustrated by the slaughter of rhinoceroses, elephants, tigers and bears, as well as other endangered species for animal-derived commodities such as horns, tusks and body parts.