The Campaign

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.

There is an urgent need for an international commitment to protect animals and their welfare. Such a commitment would inspire political leaders, organizations and individuals to treat animals better and will be the beginning of the end of animal cruelty across the world. It is our responsiblity 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 recognized.

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 scale of suffering for animals in the world today is unprecedented.


Poor animal welfare occurs 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.

- 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.

- Wild animals are illegally and inhumanely killed in the millions for commercial gain. Their skins, fur, tusks, bones and other body parts are sold to make clothes, ornaments and medicines in a soaring black market worth an estimated $10 billion a year. Wild animals are also badly treated in the name of entertainment and sport.

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

- Though seldom considered, animals are also affected to an enormous degree by disasters, both natural (droughts, floods, earthquakes) and human-caused (fires, oil spills, military conflicts).

- Animal cruelty is shockingly prevalent around the world, even in countries like the US where strong legal penalties have been put in place. Animal abuse can take many forms, including acts of violence (beating, mutilating, setting on fire, promoting fights between animals) or neglect (denying food, water, or shelter).

Improving animal welfare can also improve the welfare of people relying on these animals. Horses, donkeys, mules and other working animals help at least half the people in the world maintain their livelihoods. People rely on animals' companionship as well, and in many cases animals are considered part of the family.

For a global problem you need a global solution. Agreement on the importance of an issue affects people's attitudes, and people's attitudes affect their actions. A Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare would have a real, long-term impact on the welfare of billions of animals worldwide.

Read our case studies and other resources >>