The Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW) has been described as one of the most innovative animal welfare initiatives of the 21st century. It is an international movement involving animal welfare groups, individuals, politicians and otherse campaigning for an agreement to respect animals and their welfare needs to be endorsed by the United Nations.

The Cambodian government have recently stated that they are giving their full support for a Declaration, joining the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Tanzania, Costa Rica, and Poland amomg others.

The Animal Welfare Board of India, part of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, wrote a strong letter of support, acknowledging the link between animals, humans and the ecosystem. Importantly, they also stressed the need to protect animals for their own sake, as conscious beings. WSPA are hopeful that this will lead to formal support for a UDAW from the Indian government.

Australia’s national veterinary association joined those of Chile, New Zealand, UK, the Philippines, Thailand and Colombia in publicly supporting a UDAW.

For more information visit www.wspa.org.uk