Animals matter
From the WSPA website: Help make a difference by signing this petition.
Copy of draft Declaration (PDF)
Copy of proposed amendments (PDF)
The scale of suffering for animals in the world today is unprecedented.
Globally, there are some 600 million dogs, and a similar number of cats, of which an estimated 80% are unwanted and suffer from hunger, disease, neglect and persecution as pests.
The illegal and often inhumane trade in wildlife and wildlife parts is a soaring black market worth $10 billion a year, exceeded only by arms and drug smuggling. Millions of wild animals are killed, captured or traded inhumanely in this shady business.
An estimated 80% of power input on farms in developing countries is supplied by draught animals, however the resources made available are often woefully inadequate, leading to significant welfare issues.
Though seldom considered, animals are also affected to an enormous degree by disasters, both natural (droughts, floods, earthquakes) and human-caused (fires, oil spills, military conflicts).
Animal cruelty is shockingly prevalent around the world, even in countries like the U.S. where strong legal penalties have been put in place. Animal abuse can take many forms, including acts of violence (beating, mutilating, setting on fire, promoting fights between animals) or neglect (denying food, water, or shelter).
Improving animal welfare can also improve the welfare of people relying on these animals. Over a billion people directly rely on animals around the world for their livelihoods. People rely on animals’ companionship as well, and in many cases animals are considered part of the family.
For a global problem you need a global solution. Agreement on the importance of an issue affects people’s attitudes, and people’s attitudes affect their actions. A Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare would have a real, long-term impact on the welfare of billions of animals worldwide.
Help achieve global recognition that animals matter, that they can feel pain and can suffer and that we have a responsibility to put an end to cruelty around the world. We seek 10 million signatures to let the governments of the world know we are serious about achieving a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare at the United Nations.
