World Society for the Protection of Animals is currently campaigning for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare at the United Nations and they are seeking 10 million signatures to demonstrate just how serious they are about achieving this.


"WSPA believes that an international agreement on welfare standards should become a key goal for the animal welfare movement in the 21st century." [link]


Currently, there is no international agreement concerning the care of animals. Although The Protocol on Animal Welfare provides legal recognition of animals as sentient beings, it is limited to Europe.


WSPA's website states:

"A Universal Declaration accepted by the UN would:

Establish a global governmental vision for animal welfare based on an agreed set of principles;

Demonstrate that animal welfare is recognised as an issue of importance by the United Nations family and the international community;

Act as a catalyst for better animal welfare provisions worldwide."


It's acceptance will be global recognition that animals matter.


Their petition recently reached the 500,000 signatures mark and with the support of this community, I know we can add many more names to the list.


All it takes is your name, an email address, your country and age bracket (Under 18 or 18+). It's free and hardly takes a minute.


If you think animals matter, visit www.animalsmatter.org


Help us 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.


| WSPA International Website | The Proposed Declaration Draft (pdf) | Signature Totals |