October 27, 2009

LONDON - Top international singer Leona Lewis is backing the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), the world’s largest alliance of animal welfare organizations, in a new campaign video launched today.

Leona pledged her support for the charity's Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare campaign at a video and photo shoot at the Sony Music Entertainment offices in Kensington, England. She was joined by her family dog Misty for the photo shoot.

Speaking about her support for WSPA Leona said: "I wanted to get involved with the World Society for the Protection of Animals because I think they are doing great campaigns. I've always been a huge advocate for any charities that are trying to help animals, because they are trying to change laws to protect animals - which I think is amazing.”

"I support the World Society for the Protection of Animals - WSPA - because they are trying to end some of the most appalling acts of animal cruelty in the world."

"One reason animals are so vulnerable to cruelty is because there is no universal agreement between nations that animals can suffer and feel pain...The campaign for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare could be the beginning of the end for animal cruelty across the world."

"It's up to us to give these animals a voice, and put a stop to cruelty and neglect, right now."

Leona calls on her supporters to join her in backing the Animals Matter campaign. Go to www.wspa-usa.org/leonalewis to join in and pledge your support.

Fans of the singer can also see a behind the scenes film of the charity video shoot, and hear news about her new album, her career and lifestyle on the WSPA UK Web site, www.wspa.org.uk.

WSPA has built the world’s largest alliance – over 1,000 animal welfare groups in 150 countries – dedicated to alleviating animal suffering. WSPA U.S. partner organizations include the Humane Society of the United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Through its pioneering programs and unique partnerships, WSPA addresses animal welfare concerns on a truly unprecedented global scale. WSPA supports a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare at the United Nations. If adopted, it will be the first international agreement recognizing that animals are capable of experiencing pain and suffering and that their welfare should be respected. More at  www.wspa-usa.org.

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For more on Leona Lewis please contact:
Sarah Weinstein, Sony Music Entertainment
Tel: 212-833-5593/ Email: sarah.weinstein@sonymusic.com

For more info on Leona’s support for Animals Matter and WSPA please contact:
Meryl Bailey, WSPA U.S. Communications Officer
Tel: 617-896-9291/703-201-0591, Email: mbailey@wspausa.org

NOTES TO EDITORS:

To access the media pack (including video and images) go to:
http://www.digitalnewsagency.com/story/view/3682-leona-lewis-shows-her-support-for-the-wspa/all

WSPA has built the world’s largest alliance – over 1,000 animal welfare groups in 150 countries – dedicated to alleviating animal suffering. Through its pioneering programs and unique partnerships, WSPA addresses animal welfare concerns on a truly unprecedented global scale. WSPA U.S. partner organizations include the Humane Society of the United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. WSPA supports a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare at the United Nations. If adopted, it will be the first international agreement recognizing that animals are capable of experiencing pain and suffering and that their welfare should be respected.