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A Gift for the Animals

© Joy Butler

The number of animal welfare activists is growing and society's attitudes toward animal rights are slowly changing. Some veterinary students are now learning surgery techniques by providing procedures for needy shelter animals instead of using and killing healthy animals. Many countries that have allowed leghold traps in the past are now banning them. Fewer people are buying fur. Spain is considering banning bullfights.

The majority of the United States has changed its classification of animal cruelty from a misdemeanor to a felony. Several cities have now implemented aggressive pet welfare programs and become no-kill. Statistics show that the number of hunters has dropped while nature lovers have increased. Important steps have been taken to decrease the suffering of farm and slaughterhouse animals. More and more people are turning to plant-based diets, and sanctuaries, shelters and rescues are popping up everywhere. Success stories abound and yet, it is only a drop in the bucket.

Animals still suffer horribly in disasters, wars, zoos, laboratories, entertainment, farms, traps, hunts, streets, and backyards. The task is overwhelming in comparison to the few who work tirelessly day after day, week after week, year after year to relieve the suffering of those who can't help themselves.

Two organizations working worldwide are WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals) and IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare). WSPA maintains over 330 member organizations around the globe, has consultative status with the United Nations and the Council of Europe, and lists on their website, their mission, "To raise standards of animal welfare throughout the world." Among their campaigns are writing a declaration to establish an international agreement recognizing the importance of animal welfare and stopping cruel farm practices worldwide. A few of their other projects include bringing an end to milking bears in China for their gall bile, improving Japan's dolphin situation and lobbying to strengthen Japanese legislation on animal welfare in general. Recently they battled rabies in Sri Lanka and have taken food, veterinary supplies, and clinical rescue teams to animals in Iraq. WSPA is also changing hearts and minds through humane education campaigns such as Concepts in Animal Welfare and WSPA's Pet Respect Program.

IFAW, another organization that works throughout the world every day to bring about change in the welfare of animals, provides emergency relief to animal disaster victims, protects and rescues elephants from poachers, improves wildlife trade and protects wildlife around the world, works to save the whales, protects baby harp seals, works for animal protection laws, supports mobile humane education clinics, and fights to save dogs and cats from torture and killing for consumption in Korea.