Animals can suffer and feel pain. There is, however, inadequate protection for vast numbers of animals in many parts of the world. Animals continue to suffer needlessly due to intentional and unintentional cruelty, ignorance and neglect.

There is an urgent need for an international commitment to protect animals and their welfare. Such a commitment would inspire political leaders, organisations and individuals to treat animals better and will be the beginning of the end of animal cruelty across the world. It is our responsibility to ensure that animals are given the protection they deserve and that the indisputable link between animal welfare, the protection of people and the planet is recognised.

Achieving such a commitment in the form of a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW) is a vital springboard to changes in policies and legislation, improve enforcement and inspire positive attitudes towards animals in every corner of the world. Achieving this at the United Nations will create the required pressure for governments to put in place firm laws and enforcement for animal welfare

The future of animal welfare lies in achieving international recognition that animals matter. WSPA is seeking this in the form of a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW).

A declaration of our duty to respect animals and their welfare needs would have a long-term impact on the welfare of billions of animals and people worldwide.

Making the case for change

Recognition of animal welfare is good news for people and the planet. Read the case studies below to find out how.

• Protecting livelihoods and food security in disasters
• Safeguarding and stabilising livelihoods
• Combating poverty with education
• Sustainable agriculture for people and the planet

The scale of the problem

Poor animal welfare takes place across the world, affecting a wide range of animals. The examples are diverse driven by a variety of causes such as our increasing demand for meat, the impact of natural disasters and a lack of understanding on how to look after animals. A unifying agreement across governments is needed in order to protect animals from cruelty and neglect now and in the future.

• Billions of animals are farmed intensively to provide food. They have little room to move around or to behave naturally. Most never experience fresh air or daylight and they have no guarantee of a humane death.



• Wild animals are hunted and cruelly killed in their millions for commercial gain. Their skins, fur, tusks, bones and other body parts are sold both legally and illegally to make clothes, ornaments and medicines. They are also badly treated in the name of entertainment and sport.



• There are around 1 billion stray cats and dogs in the world. They are sometimes feared and persecuted by people terrified of catching diseases like rabies. Local authorities often have no laws regarding the humane treatment of such animals, so poisoning, shooting and electrocution, which often cause slow and painful death, are common.



• Horses, donkeys, mules and other working animals help at least half the people in the world maintain their livelihoods. There are few laws and resources that protect their well-being. Many work for long hours without rest or water. Lameness, wounds from badly-fitting equipment, disease and poor nutrition cause them terrible suffering.