The Campaign
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A flooded cattle pen after heavy rainfall caused heavy flooding in Trinidad, Bolivia. |
There is an urgent need for an international commitment to protect animals and their welfare. For a global problem you need a global solution.
The Animals Matter to Me campaign seeks to achieve a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW) that would inspire political leaders, organizations and individuals to treat animals better and will have a real, long-term impact on the welfare of billions of animals worldwide.
We have a responsibility to put an end to animal cruelty around the world. A UDAW will be a catalyst for making changes in policies and legislation, improving enforcement and inspiring positive attitudes towards animals in every corner of the world.
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 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, 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.
Read our case studies and other resources >>