WSPA presents global animal welfare campaign to UK parliamentary group
Apr 8, 2008
© WSPA
WSPA’s campaign for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW) got a boost when staff presented the initiative in the House of Commons.
The Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW) is a UK parliamentary group made up of animal welfare groups and MPs. The presentation was a vital first step to secure the UK Government’s support for this international campaign for global recognition and support of animal welfare.
The WSPA is lobbying the United Nations (UN) to adopt the first ever global agreement on animal welfare. It is hoped that if the UN passes a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare, it will give animals abroad the same level of protection they have in the UK.
Justine Smith, WSPA spokesperson for the campaign, addressed the APGAW meeting. She stressed that global recognition of animal welfare would not only protect animals and reduce unnecessary suffering, but also aid the development of a country, whether reducing poverty and hunger, improving human health or helping the environment.
Justine, pictured here with APGAW chair Eric Martlew MP, said: “WSPA is delighted to have new support for the campaign from UK MPs and we hope to work closely with them in the coming months to build support within Parliament and the UK government for the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare.”
David Pritchard, Senior Veterinary Consultant for Defra – the UK Government’s department for environmental affairs – also spoke in support of WSPA’s plans to achieve the declaration.
Other UK animal welfare organisations that have signed up to support the UDAW and help lobby the UN include WSPA UK member societies the RSPCA, Compassion in World Farming, The Dogs Trust, SPANA and the Scottish SPCA.
You can back this campaign and sign the petition at: www.animalsmatter.org