October 2, 2008

Boston, MA:  The Body Shop in the US and Canada has partnered with The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) to improve the lives of animals worldwide. They're asking the public to make themselves beautiful through a beautiful act - signing a petition in support of a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare.

The Make Yourself Beautiful campaign will run during World Animal Week, from October 4-10, and for the duration of October at stores of The Body Shop across Canada and the USA.  Customers will be encouraged to sign an online petition in support of the Declaration on the interactive website www.makeyourselfbeautiful.org.  The website also encourages the individuals to “surround themselves with beautiful people” by getting their friends and family to sign as well.
 
The Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare is an agreement between people and countries that recognizes that animals can feel pain and suffer, and that animals matter and should live free from cruelty and suffering. It would help end cruelty towards animals by:

• Raising the status of animal welfare as an international issue.
• Encouraging governments to establish or improve existing national animal welfare legislation.
• Inspiring positive change in public attitudes and actions towards animals.

In addition to The Body Shop, other animal protection groups, the veterinary community, governments, and millions of individuals worldwide are supporting the campaign. 

Quotes:

“Our actions define who we are and how the world sees us.  We're asking everyone to make themselves more beautiful by taking action to help stop cruelty to animals. It's a simple act that can make a big difference” Shelley Simmons, Director of Values and Brand Initiatives, The Body Shop Americas Region

 “The achievement of a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare would be groundbreaking.  It would be a powerful catalyst for change that helps animals.”  Silia Smith, Regional Director, WSPA Canada

“We're thrilled The Body Shop is doing a beautiful act by running this campaign, and even more thrilled that they're asking millions of people to do the same.”  Cecily West, Regional Director, WSPA USA

About WSPA

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) strives to create a world where animal welfare matters and animal cruelty ends by working with hundreds of animal welfare organizations worldwide - we are the world's largest alliance of animal welfare organizations.  WSPA brings about change at both a grassroots and governmental level, to benefit animals.  WSPA supports and develops high-profile campaigns, scientifically-backed projects and innovative education initiatives.  With its over 900 member societies, governments and international agencies, WSPA also provides relief to animals in communities affected by disasters. 

About The Body Shop

The Body Shop International plc is the original ethical cosmetics company, now operating more than 2,500 stores in over 60 markets worldwide. The company continues to lead the way, in sourcing sustainable palm oil, introducing 100% recycled packaging, and raising funds and awareness to help prevent the spread of HIV/ AIDS, and continuing to support marginalized communities around the world through our Community Trade program which provides a fair deal to suppliers in some of the poorest areas of the world.

For more 30 years The Body Shop has believed that business has the power to make the right kind of difference to the world. Our unique philosophy continues to drive everything we do, allowing our customers around the world to become ‘activists', simply by choosing from our range of products.  As Dame Anita Roddick said: “Activism isn't listed on The Body Shop labels as an ingredient, but it is there as surely as the bergamot and hemp oil”.

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For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

WSPA Canada
Michelle Cliffe
Communications Manager
cliffe@wspa.ca
+1 416 369 0044 x111

WSPA USA
Dena Jones
Programs Manager
djones@wspausa.org
+1 617 896 9292

The Body Shop
Lauren Kless and Amanda Ashe
Clifford Bratskeir PR
+1 212 679 2233
Lauren.kless@cbprusa.com and Amanda.Ashe@cbprusa.com

You can also visit us online at:

www.wspa-usa.org
www.wspa.ca
www.thebodyshop-usa.com
www.makeyourselfbeautiful.org