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Support grows in Latin America for a UDAW

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:26:08 +0100

Chile and Peru have officially declared their government’s support for the campaign to achieve a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW). Both countries have decided to recognize the importance of animal welfare ; not only for animals, but for people and the environment.

This means there are now 40 international governments that have recognized the enormous impact a UDAW will have globally.

An issue of great regional importance

At the beginning of the year Bolivia and Nicaragua announced a powerful message about the responsibility of Latin American governments - and the world - to end cruelty towards animals, clearly supporting the process of achieve a UDAW. With the addition of Chile and Perú, the region’s steady move towards achieving a UDAW is further strengthened. Brazil, Colombia and Costa Rica have also moved significant further on towards total government support of this WSPA-promoted animal welfare initiative.

As well as joining the biggest ever animal welfare initiative, which exists to achieve effective animal protection worldwide, these South American countries have been working on their own to improve the quality of life of their animals.

Currently, Peru is working on new legislative initiatives for animal protection and welfare. The Republic’s Congress is discussing a draft law created with contributions from animal welfare organizations, including WSPA member societies. It is also running a legislative initiative to prohibit the use of animals in countryside circuses. This is being promoted by Congressman José Urquizo, who pioneered the process to support a UDAW in Peru.

In Chile, animal welfare has begun to be discussed actively in the national agenda. It has been a flourishing area of research in recent years, in particular, issues relating to livestock and wildlife. In addition, they now have one of the biggest national whale sanctuaries in the world.

“The campaign to achieve a UDAW has had strong support in South America this year. This pleased us a lot, because we not only see a recognition of animals as beings that deserve protection, but also government willingness to incorporate, at their own pace, animal welfare in their development policies”, said Luis Carlos Sarmiento, Regional WSPA Director, South America.

Governments and citizens of the world agree that animals matter. Wider government support will help convince the United Nations to highlight the importance of animals to the international community. In addition, more than 2 million citizens, representing every country of the world, agree that animals deserve to be treated fairly and that their needs must be respected.

Mexico could be next to join UDAW

Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In a meeting with WSPA campaigners last month, Mexico’s Commission for the Environment signed an official agreement that it would push the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs for to officially support a UDAW.

“Many strides have been made in protecting human vulnerability, but there is much to do for those less able to defend themselves, such as animals,” said Francisco Ramírez Acuña, President of the Chamber of Deputies of Mexico.

Mexican officials said the Secretariat should reach a view on supporting this vital animal welfare initiative at the United Nations in September. If Mexico gives full support for a Declaration in this forum, they will join 40 other nations from across the world in recognising that animals matter.

“Gaining the support of the Chamber of Deputies’ Commission for the Environment is a big step,” said Marcela Vargas, WSPA Programmes Director.

UDAW is an agreement between governments and people to recognise that animals are sentient beings, capable of suffering. By signing it, governments agree to respect animals’ needs and put an end to cruelty.

Indonesia backs Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare

Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Indonesia has joined the campaign to have animal welfare recognised in international law, with the Ministry of Agriculture adding its name to the growing list.

In a letter backing the UDAW initiative, the Ministry stated its support for animal welfare as an emerging and global issue. With more than 230 million people, Indonesia is the fourth most populated country in the world – so its support for UDAW is a great leap forward for both humans and animals.

Saneekan Rosamontri, campaigner at WSPA, said: “We are delighted to have Indonesia on board.”

Campaign reaches 2 million supporters.

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 23:02:00 +0000

Delhi, 17 February 2010 - Indian national Shashi Tharoor pledged his support for the development of a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW) at the United Nations (UN). By doing so, Mr Tharoor became the two millionth signatory to support the Animals Matter Campaign.

Best known for serving as the Under-Secretary General for Communications and Public Information during the term of Secretary-General Kofi Annan at the United Nations (UN), Shashi Tharoor is also a well known and respected politician, humanitarian and author. He is currently Minister of State for External Affairs in India.

Dr Tharoor explained to representatives from the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) he will support the initiative by ‘promoting the Indian cultural ethos of animal welfare, upheld by Mahatma Ghandi and so many great Indians’. Dr Tharoor then shared his support for the recognition of animal welfare at the UN with his 655,312 supporters on his own twitter page.

Growing momentum

On that very same day, the Indian Minister of Environment and Forests, Jairam Ramesh, announced his support the UDAW initiative at the United Nations. Previously, the Animal Welfare Board of India gave its support for the development of a UDAW.

Dr Tharoor agreed to become the 2 millionth signatory of the Animals Matter to Me campaign, hereby joining two million people from every country in the world who have stated their belief that animals deserve to be treated humanely and their needs respected.

You too can join the campaign for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare.

Animals Matter to India

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:42:00 +0000

An Indian government minister has added his voice to growing calls for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW).

Jairem Ramesh, Minister of Environment & Forests in India, said:“As an Indian, animal welfare is part of my dharma, and it has become my karma now!”

India was the first country to have animal protection written into its constitution and similarly, the first to have a government Board dedicated to animal welfare issues.

The Ministry of Environment & Forests is in charge of animal welfare in India.

WSPA now hopes that Minister Ramesh will encourage support within his Ministry and the Government of India, increasing support for the development of a UDAW at the United Nations.

Justine Holmes, Head of the campaign for a UDAW, said: “We are delighted that the Minister has decided to give the UDAW campaign its firm approval. India’s close affinity with animal welfare makes it an essential player to support steps towards recognition of animal welfare and achievement of a UDAW at the UN”.

Minister Ramesh joins a growing list of Environment Ministers endorsing a UDAW in recent months including Brazil, Chile and Thailand.

2009 - The UDAW campaign in pictures

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:53:41 +0000

Bravo! Latin American nations back animals

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:36:00 +0000

WSPA is excited to confirm Bolivia and Nicaragua’s full governmental support for the development of a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare. Once endorsed at the United Nations, a Declaration will constitute the biggest EVER single step forward for animal protection worldwide.

Both nations recognise that a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW) would go beyond helping animals – better animal care also benefits people, especially the world’s poorest communities, and the environment. Read case studies »

Bolivia’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged this when announcing support, saying it “constitutes one of its strategic pillars on improving food security and sovereignty, as well as considering that animal welfare is essential to provide consumers with healthy and top quality products.”

In Nicaragua, the Ministry’s counterpart stated that it “recognises the important role animals play in the environmental balance and their effect on the quality of life of Nicaraguan society and the world.”

They join 35 other governments – including the entire European Union.

Recognising responsibilities

Following this amazing new support, Latin America is now both sending and receiving a strong message about the responsibility of individuals and governments to end animal cruelty.

”With the support of Bolivia, we are one step further to ensure that animal welfare is recognised as an issue of great importance for the region. The support displayed by the government … is a sign of their willingness to improve the quality of life for animals and protect the rich biodiversity the country fosters. This is an example to be followed by others, since animal welfare is a global issue”, said Luis Carlos Sarmiento, Regional Director for WSPA South America.

Their support reflects a recent championing of animal welfare:

· In 2009, Bolivia passed a groundbreaking anti-cruelty law prohibiting the use of wild and domestic animals in circuses. In addition, an animal protection law – notably including the welfare of animals bred for meat – is being discussed by the national congress.

· Nicaragua, who first made a move to support a UDAW on Earth Day, is poised to approve a new animal welfare law that seeks to improve conditions for pets and wildlife.

A snowball of support

WSPA believes this latest support sets a fantastic regional precedent. Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Costa Rica have all recently made significant progress towards full government support for the development of a UDAW.

Widespread, high-level backing will help convince the UN that animal welfare is an issue that they must highlight within the international community, by endorsing a Declaration.

“We are extremely pleased that the [Nicaraguan] Foreign Ministry … gave its firm support for a UDAW. This could generate a snowball effect in the region and can be a great motivation for others to support this important initiative”, said Marcela Vargas, Programme Manager for WSPA Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean.

What will you do for animals?

Not only governments can make change happen. More than two million people, representing every country in the world, have stated their belief that animals deserve to be treated humanely and their needs respected.

Will you join them? Will you support a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare?

Thai ministry backs Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment made a big step forward for animal wellbeing this month by stating official support, in principle, for the development of a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare.

A Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW) is a proposed set of principles which, if endorsed by the United Nations, will result in international recognition on animal welfare as a key part of worldwide social development.

Animals matter to … the environment

This particular Thai ministry – the second to back a UDAW – is relevant as animal welfare matters not only to animals and people, but it also to the environment, which can be positively affected by better wildlife husbandry and the protection of animals to standards backed by science.

In a letter backing the UDAW initiative, the Ministry stated its support for animal welfare as an issue of global importance – one that forms an integral part of national and international conservation and environmental policies.

Firm foundation for further action

Since 2008, over 30,000 Thais have stated their support for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW); they all want to see their country recognise the importance of meeting animals’ needs.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has already stated its official support through its Department of Livestock Development. The Department has also publicly cemented its position on animal welfare by developing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Animal Welfare Act, already approved by the cabinet.

With both public and ministerial support, WSPA has a strong case to seek full Thai government backing for the Declaration.

As a nation, Thailand could join 37 governments as well as millions of individuals worldwide by publicly calling on the United Nations to recognise animal welfare as an integral part of sustainable development and backing a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare.

Do animals matter to you? Find out more about the campaign for a UDAW and how you can get involved »

Christmas Eve success bodes well for animals in 2010

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:24:04 +0000

On 24 December, the Serbian government officially announced support for the development of a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare – a United Nations endorsed agreement to respect animals and their welfare needs.

This milestone is yet more proof of the progress this historic campaign for animals is making, progress that we intend to build on in eth coming year. Will you help?

Full support

The government of Serbia adopted a Conclusion stating their understanding of the need to provide support for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW).

The government also confirmed that the Ministries of Agriculture and Foreign Affairs are now responsible for informing the Serbian Mission to the United Nations that they must vote to support the text of a Declaration.

The potential benefits of a UDAW, if endorsed by the UN, go beyond the end of animal suffering – good animal welfare can help people out of poverty and contribute to protecting our planet.

Determination pays off

Serbia’s support follows unwavering work by WSPA member society ORCA (the Organisation for Respect and Care for Animals).

In April 2009 ORCA secured endorsement for a UDAW from President Boris Tadic and Minister for Agriculture, Saša Dragin. Shortly after, the country’s commitment to animal welfare was enshrined in the first Serbian Animal Welfare Law, which came into force on 10 June 2009 and signalled the crowning achievement of nine years of dedicated animal advocacy by ORCA.

Moving forwards

The campaign for a UDAW can look back on a very successful 2009, in which no less than 31 countries announced official endorsement, starting with Palau in January and closing with Serbia in December.

These encouraging signs of the growing momentum of the animal welfare movement herald further progress in 2010.

Keep up to date with the campaign for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare and find out how you can get involved »

UDAW campaign reaches critical milestone

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Since 2007, WSPA Canada has been working tirelessly to convince the Canadian government to support our campaign to achieve a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW). In a landmark decision on November 6, MPs from all four political parties unanimously adopted a motion which calls on the Canadian government to support (in principle) the development of a UDAW.

The motion was put forward by Liberal MP Michelle Simson (Scarborough Southwest) and seconded by NDP MP Bill Siksay (Burnaby Douglas). This makes Canada a leader – we are the first North American country to express support for UDAW – and it means that Canada is one giant step closer to fully endorsing the campaign.

The next step – which we expect will happen soon – is for WSPA to meet with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to confirm the government’s formal support, in principle, of the development of a UDAW. Then next year and throughout 2011, the actual details of the UDAW will be negotiated and finalized by key countries. And finally, Canada must then agree to and endorse the UDAW.

The WSPA campaign to achieve a UDAW was supported by our member societies and more than 75,000 Canadians who signed petitions and sent more than 25,000 individual letters to MPs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

If you’d like to say thanks to your MP for a job well done, please send them a thank you e-mail.

World Animal Week reaches the UN

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

WSPA, alongside key governments supporting the development of a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW), hosted a series of meetings at the United Nations during World Animal Week. Together we highlighted the vital link between animal welfare and sustainable development, using this film to illustrate the urgency of the issue.

Animal welfare matters: UN leaders heard last week about how good animal welfare practices improve food security, combat poverty, protect the environment and make agriculture sustainable.

Mike Baker, WSPA’s director general, told UN Missions that “Animal welfare is not some unaffordable luxury. It’s an essential part of solutions to some of the most pressing problems facing us today.”

Animal welfare: an essential solution

To encourage countries to explore the very real benefits that animal welfare offers, WSPA is asking the UN to include language that recognises the links between animal welfare and development issues – such as poverty and climate change – into this year’s UN General Assembly resolution on sustainable development.

Including references to animal welfare would be a vital milestone in the journey to adoption of a UDAW by the UN General Assembly.

A Declaration will establish that animals can feel pain and suffer, and encourage governments to make and enforce laws that benefit animals – laws that can also protect people and the environment.

Jakob Strom, Counsellor for Economic and Social Affairs, Permanent Mission of Sweden to the UN, has called the link between sustainable development and animal welfare a “win-win solution for human beings and animals.”

Making the case for welfare

To lobby for this potentially amazing step forward for animal welfare, WSPA spoke with over 80 countries – all the EU member states, JUSCANZ (including Japan, United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand) and the G77 – a loose coalition of developing countries – and several UN agencies at the UN’s New York headquarters, with encouraging results.

HE Dr Augustine P Mahiga, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenitpotentiary, Permanent Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania, is keen for countries to look at the practical benefits of animal welfare, saying, “We need to encourage continued stakeholder-based conversation on animal welfare that will culminate into a forum to exchange best practices at international level.”

Mr Strom echoed his enthusiasm, telling guests at a reception co-hosted by WSPA, the Seychelles, Tanzania and, Sweden “The EU considers animal welfare to be of common concern and global importance… [it] will be integral to our new constitution, the Lisbon Treaty.”

Animals overlooked at great risk

Mike Baker spoke about international agencies’ tendency to overlook animals’ important economic, social and cultural role in poor communities.

For instance, during relief efforts after the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, aid agencies found that local people were using the tents they provided to shelter animals, rather than protect themselves.

Margareta Wahlström, head of the UN’s Disaster Reduction Risk programme agrees that animals must be part of our response to natural disasters, commenting that the loss of animals contributes to people being “even more poor when they come out of the disasters than when they go into them.”

Putting it all into practice

At the G77 briefing, WSPA invited Mr Vinod Kapur, Chairman of Keggfarms – a village poultry initiative in India – to explain how several of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals can be progressed through animal welfare practices.

Vist the UDAW website to read case studies that prove why animal welfare matters to everyone, and to support the campaign for a UDAW »

Animal welfare in Brazil boosted by ministerial support

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0100

The Brazilian Ministry of Environment has backed the development of a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW), moving the whole country towards recognising the importance of how we treat animals.

On 14 May 2009, Minister Carlos Minc signed a statement of support for the development of a UDAW on behalf of the Ministry of Environment.

Minister Minc also promised to present the concept of a UDAW to President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva and encourage him to follow his positive example on behalf of the whole Brazilian government.

The Ministry of Environment’s support reflects public opinion – more than 232,000 Brazilians have stated their support for a Declaration. With Brazil’s influence both within the region and on the international stage, their support has the potential to improve the lives of millions of animals.