The CAP aims to address the causes of pandemics from an international perspective recognizing that pandemics are a global phenomenon – national responses are only as strong as the weakest link. The draft treaty adopts the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnection between animal well-being, human health, and environmental health by seeking to address the scenarios of animal misuse or abuse that have historically led to the emergence of novel zoonotic pathogens. This issue has not been addressed by any other treaty and its importance cannot be underestimated in light of the devastation wreaked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In particular, the CAP includes provisions which seek to identify and regulate species and subspecies that have a high risk of hosting viruses or other pathogens that pose a serious risk to public or animal health (Article 4). The CAP imposes obligations on Contracting States with regard to these high-risk animals including, for example, a prohibition on the capture of high-risk animals, regulations or prohibitions on live animal markets where wildlife is present, and the adoption of plans to reduce or eliminate inappropriate interaction of humans and other animals within the habitat of high-risk animals (Article 4).

The CAP also establishes systems to share scientific information among Contracting States and to provide periodic public reports on the state of compliance by Contracting States with the substantive provisions (Articles 14 and 20).

The CAP, if successful, would be the first treaty to adopt international standards for the treatment of all animals including wildlife (Articles 7 and 8), companion animals (Article 10), commercial animals (Article 11), animals used in scientific research and testing (Article 12), and animals used in entertainment (Article 13).

Furthermore, many of the aspects of the CAP designed to protect human health and prevent future pandemics have groundbreaking effects for animals. For example, the CAP prohibits the capture and consumption of certain species of wildlife (Article 4) and limits the unnecessary capture of wildlife (Article 7). The CAP also provides basic minimum standards of care for the transportation of animals (Article 9).

In addition to the provisions of the CAP itself, the CAP contemplates the negotiation of other more detailed protocols depending on the animal classification. These may include, for example, elaboration on the standards and principles set forth in Articles 10–13 on companion animals, commercial animals, animals used in scientific research and testing, and animals used in entertainment.

The main environmental benefits of the CAP are integrated throughout the treaty, including the overall recognition of the inherent interconnection between animal well-being, public health, and the environment. For example, the Risk Assessment and Remedy Committee, which identifies strategies to reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, among other tasks, contemplates the inclusion of environmental science experts in recognition of the One Health principle.

Other particularly environment-focused aspects of the treaty include the conservation of the natural environment (Article 1) and the conservation of wildlife habitat and isolation of residential and commercial facilities from certain wildlife habitats (Article 7).

States and institutions should be concerned at being at the forefront of a solution to prevent the next pandemic. Now is the moment to act as key international actors are looking for ways to address consequences and causes of the pandemic. It will also support environmental sustainability and animal well-being.

Most other international efforts focus on pandemic response and readiness and do not address the root cause. This critical issue has so far remained unanswered. Organizations like the World Health Organization, World Organisation for Animal Health, and Food and Agriculture Organization have typically fallen short on delivering adequate responses to interdisciplinary issues critical to mitigating future pandemic risk, given that they tend to be ringfenced in their area of expertise.

Although proposals have been made to amend existing treaties to address the spread of zoonotic diseases, their structural frameworks are ill-equipped to do so. For example, some have proposed amending the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); however, CITES focuses on preventing international trade of listed species. As such, it does not contemplate domestic trade and consumption of animals, which is what led to the outbreak of COVID-19, among other pathogens. In contrast, the CAP deals with the intersection of public health, animal well-being, and the environment by addressing the root causes of such diseases: the inappropriate contact with and misuse of animals.

A pandemic is, by its own definition, a global phenomenon—domestic proposals cannot unilaterally address a global problem. The risk of a future pandemic would remain in the absence of international cooperation. A cross-border response is only as strong as its weakest link.

Identify the relevant politicians who would be responsible for advancing treaty discussions and schedule a briefing meeting noting that the draft treaty is an initial proposal that we recognize may need to be adapted to specific political concerns.

The CAP is a draft treaty intended to cover animal protection generally, as well as specifically addressing one of the most visible problems of our time: preventing future pandemics. In addition to the provisions of the CAP itself, the CAP contemplates the negotiation of specific protocols depending on the animal classification. Although parties to the CAP would be required to cooperate in the formulation of protocols (Article 14), parties to the CAP would not be required to adopt protocols.

Subjects of protocols may include wildlife, animals in transportation, companion animals, commercial animals, animals used in scientific research and testing, animals used in entertainment, or other subjects related to animal protection and well-being.

If you would like to assist with the project from a legal, scientific, or political perspective, please send an email to contact@conventiononanimalprotection.org explaining your background and possible ways in which you may be able to assist the project.