June 8, 2009

London – The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) today celebrated the growth of the world’s largest alliance of animal welfare organizations, with the addition of 19 new Member Societies bringing the organization to a total of 1012 members.

“Our mission at WSPA has been to build a global animal welfare movement and this is a very significant milestone for us. Perhaps more importantly, it is also a sure indicator of the growing support for animal welfare around the world,” said Peter Davies, Director General of WSPA, “Animal welfare is intrinsic to tackling many of the challenges faced by the world today and to the achievement of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals. It is heartening to see the increased attention that animals, and the role they play in development, agriculture and environmental issues, are receiving from NGOs, governments and international agencies such as the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.” (Footnote 1)

Ever since its inception in 1981 WSPA has worked in partnership with hundreds of member societies in over 150 countries. Our work is concentrated in regions of the world where few, if any, measures exist to protect animals. The most recent additions to our alliance reflect this too, with the addition of member societies from St. Kitts & Nevis, Israel and Peru amongst others, working on issues as diverse as bullfighting, stray animals and wildlife rescue and release.

One of the campaigns led by WSPA seeks international recognition that animals matter; WSPA is seeking this in the form of a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare, to be adopted by the United Nations. At present, the Universal Declaration has received formal support from the 27 member states of the European Union as well as eight other countries. (Footnote 2)

The Member Society Network now includes societies from 156 countries. To view an interactive map of our global impact with animal welfare projects from around the world, please visit http://map.wspa-international.org/

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Notes to Editors:

1. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization commissioned an expert report on ‘Capacity Building to implement good animal welfare practices.’ View the report >>

2. Click here for information on WSPA’s campaign for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare >>

For more information, interviews or images from WSPA International please contact:
Namrata Chowdhary, International Head of Media, WSPA
Tel: +44 (0)20 7587 5002 / Email: namratachowdhary@wspa-international.org 

For information, interviews or images related to WSPA work in your region, please contact:
Meryl Bailey, WSPA: 617-896-9291, mbailey@wspausa.org