WSPA is concerned about the balance of nature and deplores environmental changes which are directly or indirectly attributable to man's activities and are likely to disturb this balance without compensatory safeguards. WSPA therefore seeks to ensure that the welfare of all living things is actively considered in connection with such activities.

WSPA recognises that the dealing in, and smuggling of, animals or animal products causes both individual suffering and a direct pressure on species survival and is therefore opposed to any such practices which could pose a threat to the welfare of any animal or the survival of any species.