De-extinction, a process that attempts to bring an extinct species back into existence, can be carried out through selective breeding and through the use of genetic technologies. Welfare problems can be associated with adverse, unintended outcomes of creating offspring with novel genetic material such as rapid aging, health problems, disease, and physical and physiological abnormalities. Maternal animals may have problems birthing offspring that are of unusual size, or due to abnormal foetal development.

SPCA is concerned about the lack of places for de-extincted species to live, especially when there have been significant alterations of landscapes and ecosystems that would not provide appropriate habitats. SPCA is concerned that de-extinct species would be reared and held in captive settings where their welfare needs are not met or are poorly prepared before introduced into wild settings where they risk starvation, injury, disease, and other states or poor welfare.

We advocate that animal welfare is critical to ensuring de-extinction processes and goals and that de-extinction activities include an animal welfare assessment for all animals involved.

SPCA advocates that efforts and funding to de-extinct a species is better used to protect and restore native biodiversity for species that are current.