Jan 1, 2011
As we begin 2011, WSPA would like to thank its supporters for their ongoing support and dedication to helping animals. From providing relief to more than 100,000 animals in disasters, to ending the inhumane culling of dogs in Bali, to opening a new bear sanctuary in Pakistan, WSPA has been able to make a huge difference to so many animals this year.
As WSPA moves into its 30th year of advocating for animal welfare, we hope you continue to stand by us in our mission to end animal cruelty and suffering, worldwide.
In the meantime, please enjoy our 2010 achievements video below, and thank you again for your support!
Following the January earthquake in Haiti, WSPA helped establish the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH), a group that addressed the needs of the country’s surviving animal population. To date, WSPA has treated more than 45,000 animals in the hardest-hit areas of Haiti.
WSPA also helped repair the National Veterinary Laboratory and main lab infrastructure, which fell during the earthquake; installed 24 solar-powered refrigeration units, which are critical to storing animal vaccinations; and launched the country’s first-ever public awareness campaign to educate Haitians about disaster preparedness, pet care and health issues related to their pets and families.
Our disaster relief efforts didn’t end there – throughout the year, our disaster management team provided aid to animals in several disaster-stricken areas across the world, including...Pakistan, Mongolia, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India and Myanmar.
Just three months after the devastating floods in Pakistan, WSPA opened a new sanctuary in Balkasar. The sanctuary’s first residents were Babu, Sohrab and Maylu – three bears rescued from Kund Park, which was destroyed during the floods in August. In November, WSPA helped rescue Chowti – a 6-year-old Asiatic black bear – from bear baiting in Pakistan. Chowti was then sent to Balkasar Sanctuary, where she is now safe, well-fed and cared for.
In other bear rescue efforts, WSPA asked supporters to sign a petition calling for an end to bear farming in South Korea. Shortly after, more than 85,000 WSPA advocates made their voices heard and the South Korean Parliament began the process that could result in the phase out of South Korea’s bear farming industry. Currently, the bill is slated to be considered by the Environment and Labour Committee, as well as other relevant Ministries.
In July, WSPA, along with other groups, released an investigative video that showed a minke whale being harpooned by the Norwegian whaling vessel “Rowenta,” and the subsequent failure of the whaling vessel to ensure that the whale was dead during the next 22 minutes.
The next day, we held a press conference at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting to showcase the public outrage against a proposal to resume commercial whaling. After two days behind closed doors, the IWC failed to reach consensus on the future of whaling and, therefore, postponed a vote that could have increased commercial whaling quotas for the first time in 25 years.
Thanks to the tens of thousands of New Zealanders who signed the critical petition calling on our Government to protect the whales, not whaling. By speaking out for whales we helped to prevent the overturning of the commercial whaling ban.
In 2010, the New Zealand Government announced its support to ban the keeping of dolphins in captivity for public display.
Although it is illegal to catch dolphins in New Zealand waters, the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) allows the taking, holding, importing and exporting of marine mammals, if granted a permit by the Minister of Conservation. The Minister recently stated in a letter to WSPA that the government favoured bringing the MMPA into line with policies banning such practices.
Many countries have already banned captive dolphin facilities and adding New Zealand’s name to this growing list will help strengthen opposition worldwide to this cruel practice.
Throughout the year, some very special advocates gave us their support…
“Whales are intelligent animals, they form strong bonds with their young and are capable of complex social interactions. They deserve our respect and protection. Thanks WSPA for helping to protect these magnificent animals.”
- Keisha Castle-Hughes, Actress and Whale Rider star
"The World Society for Protection of Animals struck a chord with me, as it’s a global charity that recognizes the needs of animals around the world."
– Simon Cowell, Music Executive and TV Producer
“It’s so hard to imagine people not treating these wonderful animals as they should be treated. Thankfully WSPA is there to help take care of them and look out for their welfare.”
“Animals really matter to me, and WSPA is trying to stop needless acts of animal cruelty all over the world.”
– Ricky Gervais, Actor, Producer and Writer
"I am honored to be a spokesperson for WSPA’s campaigns, and I encourage others to join in our fight to save all animals from suffering, worldwide."
– Leona Lewis, Singer
“I am just thrilled to support an organization like WSPA. They do incredible work to help animals and I want to support them in any way I can. There really is no other organization reaching as far and wide as they are to help those animals most in need.”
– Claude Stewart, Comedian
“I am so thrilled to be a part of the ‘Animals Matter to Me’ movement and encourage others to step forward and help protect animals.”
– Audrey Landers, Actress, Singer and Fashion Designer
All of these accomplishments were made possible by the ongoing dedication and generosity of ALL our WSPA supporters.
Thank you and we look forward to working with you in 2011 to help end animal cruelty, worldwide!