Monday, July 18, 2005

Dr. David Wilkins, WSPA's Chief Veterinary Advisor, is urging the international veterinary community to endorse a proposed Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare. He will be speaking today at the World Veterinary Congress in Minneapolis.

Additionally, WSPA is hosting an information booth at the Congress (booth no. 216) to promote discussion fo the Declaration and other animal welfare issues. On Tuesday the 19th WSPA's Development Director John Callaghan will give a presentation on "Why vets need animal welfare: Concepts in animal welfare."

WSPA's Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare initiative is intended to achieve global recognition of animals as sentient beings, capable of experiencing pain and suffering. Ultimately, the goal is for the United Nations (UN) to adopt a Declaration of Animal Welfare. This initiative already has the backing of hundreds of animal protection organizations from dozens of countries around the world.

"The veterinary profession is recognized as promoting a duty of care of animals and we are sure that veterinarians everywhere will give their support to the Declaration," commented Dr. Wilkins.

The future

An inter-governmental steering committee led by Argentina and comprised of (subject to diplomatic formalities) Costa Rica, The Czech Republic, India, Kenya and the Phillipines has been established to take the Declaration forward and eventually press for formal adoption by the UN.