WSPCA part3

Universal Declaration

A turtle glides through the water
© Doug Perrine/seapics.com

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.

Agreement on the importance of an issue affects people's attitudes, and attitudes affect actions.

What is it?

A Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare would be an agreement among people and nations that:

• Animals are sentient and can suffer.
• Animals’ welfare needs must be respected.
• Animal cruelty must end for good.

View the draft declaration (PDF file, 65KB) >>

What will it achieve?

The adoption of a UDAW by the United Nations would:

• Establish animal welfare as an international issue.
• Encourage governments to improve and enforce national animal welfare legislation by providing a benchmark.
• Recognise that animal welfare is a key factor in humanitarian and environmental policy making.
• Encourage industries which use animals to keep welfare at the forefront.
• Acknowledge the risks to animals caused by environmental factors such as climate change, habitat loss and pollution.
• Create a more compassionate global attitude to animal welfare, including their needs and habitats.

A declaration would also enhance the lives of over 1 billion people who rely on animals for their livelihoods, and the countless others look to animals for companionship.

A UDAW would work for human health – animal welfare contributes to sustainable farming systems and the improvement of human food safety.

What can I do?

Join WSPA, over 220 animal welfare groups, and supportive governments around the world in calling for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare.

Sign the petition today