Why you should sign

The Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW) is an agreement among people and nations to recognize that animals are sentient beings and can suffer, to respect their welfare needs, and to end animal cruelty - for good.

If this agreement is passed at the General Assembly of the United Nations, it will be an important catalyst for change; encouraging governments to develop animal welfare legislation where none exists or look to improve those laws and standards already in place.

Veterinary support for UDAW is strong and growing

Global support from the veterinary profession is essential to achieving government support. So far the UDAW has gained the support of the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE), the Commonwealth Veterinary Association (CVA) and the World Organisation of Animal Health (OIE). A number of national associations are also supporting the UDAW including the British Veterinary Association (BVA), New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA), Phillippine Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA), Veterinary Practitioners Association of Thailand (VPAT) and the Asociación Colombiana de Veterianrios y Zootecnistas (ACOVEZ).

Please join them. Show your support by adding your name to the petition and contact your association to encourage them to formally endorse the UDAW.

View the draft Declaration text here (PDF)