On 24 December, the Serbian government officially announced support for the development of a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare – a United Nations endorsed agreement to respect animals and their welfare needs.

This milestone is yet more proof of the progress this historic campaign for animals is making, progress that we intend to build on in eth coming year. Will you help?

Full support

The government of Serbia adopted a Conclusion stating their understanding of the need to provide support for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW).

The government also confirmed that the Ministries of Agriculture and Foreign Affairs are now responsible for informing the Serbian Mission to the United Nations that they must vote to support the text of a Declaration. 

The potential benefits of a UDAW, if endorsed by the UN, go beyond the end of animal suffering – good animal welfare can help people out of poverty and contribute to protecting our planet.
 

Determination pays off

Serbia’s support follows unwavering work by WSPA member society ORCA (the Organisation for Respect and Care for Animals).

In April 2009 ORCA secured endorsement for a UDAW from President Boris Tadic and Minister for Agriculture, Saša Dragin. Shortly after, the country’s commitment to animal welfare was enshrined in the first Serbian Animal Welfare Law, which came into force on 10 June 2009 and signalled the crowning achievement of nine years of dedicated animal advocacy by ORCA.

Moving forwards

The campaign for a UDAW can look back on a very successful 2009, in which no less than 31 countries announced official endorsement, starting with Palau in January and closing with Serbia in December.

These encouraging signs of the growing momentum of the animal welfare movement herald further progress in 2010.

Keep up to date with the campaign for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare and find out how you can get involved »