Whaling, bullfighting and factory farming - all intolerable forms of cruelty, all created at the hands of humans.
Those same hands can also be the ones to help stop it. This is the week to take action.
This is the week to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves and help make animal welfare history.
The aim is to persuade the United Nations to adopt a universal declaration on animal welfare, an advance that is well overdue. Launched in New Zealand by the World Society of the Protection of Animals (WSPA) this week (October 4-10) the campaign calls for public support through the form of petitions.
Shortland Street actress, Laura Hill urges everyone to lend their support to the campaign,
“I encourage all New Zealanders to sign the ‘Animals Matter To Me’ petition at www.wspa.org.nz/animalsmatter in support of a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare. New Zealanders pride themselves on their concern for a clean, green environment. Now we need to show our concern for the animals we share that environment with.” Signing the petition couldn’t be easier. Just click on the link fill out your name, email, age and country and hey presto, you just helped fight animal cruelty. There’s no better time than now, seeing as you just so happen to be on the internet at the moment!
With your support you will help to achieve recognition and protection of animals and change the sad state of our society’s attitudes towards such barbarity.
WSPA also aims to highlight the inadequacy in the current laws surrounding animal welfare through the Animals In Focus photo exhibition. Held during September and October around the country, this international exhibition demonstrates some of man’s best and worst treatment of animals.
The photos are taken by professional photographers, WSPA staff and WSPA member societies working in the field. Each one tells a sad story, whether it be of neglect, abuse or suffering, and they all serve to highlight in very real form the extent of animal cruelty and the need for action.
You can check out the exhibition at the Auckland Central City Library in Lorne Street from now until October 15, the Wellington Central Library in Victoria Street from October 20 to November 3 and the Christchurch Central City Library on the corner of Gloucester Street and Oxford Terrace from November 6 - 19.
The times call for a change in how we treat animals. It only takes a few seconds to play your part in making that change and raising awareness.
Animals are suffering everyday at the hands of humans. By not doing anything you are one of those people. Take action today and join the 10 million other people in a fight to end this suffering.
Whaling, bullfighting and factory farming - all intolerable forms of cruelty, all created at the hands of humans. 
You can check out the exhibition at the Auckland Central City Library in Lorne Street from now until October 15, the Wellington Central Library in Victoria Street from October 20 to November 3 and the Christchurch Central City Library on the corner of Gloucester Street and Oxford Terrace from November 6 - 19.