Look To The Stars News: World Society for the Protection of Animals

Stars Join Virtual Dog March Against Cruelty

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

An estimated 100,000 virtual dogs will “march” across the Internet next week to deliver a global message: Use collars, not cruelty, in the fight against rabies.

The dogs – all of who have been named and virtually “collared” by animal welfare advocates around the world – represent the strong global support for the World Society for the Protection of Animals’ (WSPA) Collars Not Cruelty campaign, which promotes vaccination as an alternative to mass dog killings.

“Every year, nearly 20 million dogs are needlessly and cruelly killed in misguided attempts to control rabies,” said Ray Mitchell, International Campaigns Director, WSPA. “Through this virtual dog march, we want to tell governments and people around the world that it doesn’t have to be this way – through mass vaccination, they can humanely and effectively tackle the disease.”

Kristin Bauer Wants Collars Not Cruelty

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Actress Kristin Bauer has announced her support for the World Society for the Protection of Animals’ (WSPA) Collars Not Cruelty campaign to protect dogs from cruelty and rabies.

Bauer, who plays vampire Pam in the smash-hit series True Blood, announced her support for WSPA’s campaign after hearing about the brutal ways in which nearly 20 million dogs are killed every year, often in failed attempts to control rabies.

Leona Lewis Launches Ethical Design Challenge

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:11:00 +0000

British singer/songwriter and animal lover Leona Lewis has just launched a competition to find an up-and-coming designer who will create the ethical stage outfit for her. She called to her stylish fans to bring their own ideas and is happy to launch a green fashion line.

Besides the $1,500 (£935) prize reward, the winner will have the opportunity to work with Lewis on the outfit.

Lewis is passionate about animal welfare and everything she wears always holds true to this. “I love fashion, creativity and designing my own outfits. I can’t wait to see what people come up with. I think it’s really important to support creative individuals and the future names of tomorrow,” she said.

Leona Lewis: Collars Not Cruelty

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000

WSPA is calling on governments worldwide to stop killing dogs and start running effective dog vaccination programs – and it has celebrity support.

WSPA wants every vaccinated dog to be fitted with a red collar so that communities know which vulnerable animals have been protected against rabies.

“I think it’s absolutely horrific that 20 million dogs are killed every year, often because of the fear of rabies, when there is an alternative solution,” said WSPA celebrity supporter Leona Lewis. “I really want to help WSPA to spread the word worldwide and end the cruelty that is happening at the moment. By educating people and getting vaccinations out there, we’re not only helping dogs, but entire communities.”

Leona Lewis Wants Seal Hunting Stopped In Namibia

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Leona Lewis is calling on the government of Namibia to stop seal hunting in the African country.

“No price would ever be high enough to justify the killing of these harmless animals,” she said. “This country has so much natural beauty to offer tourists, why allow this brutal practice to tarnish its reputation forever?”

A comprehensive study on ‘The economics of seal hunting and seal watching in Namibia’ commissioned by international animal welfare organizations, including WSPA, demonstrates that seals are worth far more alive than dead.

British Stars Say No To Battery Cows

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:30:00 +0000

A bunch of celebrities have joined a campaign in Britain to prevent battery cow dairy farming from coming to the UK.

The World Society for the Protection of Animals – more commonly known as WSPA – has launched Not In My Cuppa, a campaign against the cruel practice of battery dairy farming.

According to the organization: "Nocton Dairies wants to bring intensive battery dairy farming to Britain, where thousands of cows will live in factory conditions instead of on grassy fields.

Leona Lewis Bears All For Charity

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Leona Lewis has returned from a trip to Romania to visit a bear sanctuary with the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA).

“When I heard about the kind of lives that captive bears suffer around the world, I was shocked,” said the singer. “After what they’ve been through, they can’t be released back into the wild. So I asked WSPA if I could visit one of their bear sanctuaries to see for myself how the bears are cared for after they’ve been rescued.”

The singer spent two days at the sanctuary at the end of her European tour.

Animals Matter To John Tartaglia

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Tony Award (Avenue Q) and Emmy Award (Johnny and the Sprites) nominated John Tartaglia, the creative force behind the current off-Broadway hit John Tartaglia’s ImaginOcean, has pledged his support to the World Society for the Protection of Animals’ (WSPA) “Animals Matter to Me” campaign.

His personal video about why animals matter to him launched today at www.AnimalsMattertoMe.org, where other celebrities – including Simon Cowell and Leona Lewis – have already endorsed an international recognition to end animal cruelty and support animal welfare.

Paul McCartney Speaks Out Over Whaling

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Paul McCartney has joined the fight against law changes that will make whaling legal.

In a World Society for the Protection of Animals statement this week, Sir Paul said: “It’s time to end the cruel slaughter of whales and leave these magnificent creatures alone. In the 21st century how can we even contemplate killing whales – or any animal – in such barbaric ways? Governments should act on their responsibilities and protect these beautiful creatures.”

As the International Whaling Commission (IWC) opens its 62nd annual meeting in Agadir, Morocco today, Sir Paul and WSPA strongly condemn a proposal which would effectively lift the ban on commercial whaling and give a green light to the industrial slaughter of almost 1,400 whales next year. The deadly proposal, published by the Chair and Vice-Chair of the IWC, is expected to be voted on by the IWC’s 88 member nations this week.

Leona Lewis Speaks Out Over Whaling

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:00:00 +0000

British singer Leona Lewis has joined the fight to stop whaling.

The singer has joined with the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) in calling for a ban of the brutal whaling practices carried out regularly by Norwegian whalers. WSPA has released new footage showing a minke whale suffering for more than 20 minutes – and potentially 2 hours – after being shot by an exploding harpoon.

“The horrible footage WSPA has released shows the cruelty of Norwegian whaling and makes it clear that whaling must stop now!” she said. “It certainly does not suit a modern, civilized nation like Norway to carry out this cruel practice and the Norwegian Government need to listen to the thousands of people around the world, including Norwegians, who are protesting against commercial whaling.”

Ricky Gervais Joins Charity Campaign To Ban Bullfighting

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:30:00 +0000

Ricky Gervais is urging his fans to sign a petition to stop bullfighting in Spain.

The comedian has joined the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) in a campaign to ban the sport.

“WSPA is trying to stop needless acts of cruelty all over the world,” he said. "The Catalonian government in Spain is on the verge of voting for a ban on bullfighting. Catalonian MPs will be voting on the issue and you can do your bit to help.

Simon Cowell Awarded For Charity Work

Mon, 24 May 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Simon Cowell was honored with Variety – The Children’s Charity’s prestigious Humanitarian Award at the Variety World Conference at the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa on May 23.

Since 1938, Variety International’s Humanitarian Award has annually been awarded to a person who has shown incredible dedication in the support of humankind.

Variety International recognize Simon Cowell has utilized his position in the entertainment industry, in business and his international profile as a fundraising tool to support many charities and individuals around the world and has helped transform many lives of those in need.

Animals Matter To Simon Cowell

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Simon Cowell has pledged support for the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and its campaign to get international recognition of animal welfare.

WSPA is hoping more people will follow Simon’s lead and start telling governments why animals matter to them.

Leona Lewis Backs WSPA In Animal Campaign

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Top international singer Leona Lewis is backing the World Society for the Protection of Animals in a new campaign video.

Leona pledged her support for the charity’s Universal Declaration for Animal Welfare campaign at a video and photo shoot at the Sony Music studios in Kensington. She was joined by her family dog Misty for the photo shoot.

Speaking about her support for WSPA, Leona said: “I wanted to get involved with the World Society for the Protection of Animals because I think they are doing great campaigns. I’ve always been a huge advocate for any charities that are trying to help animals, because they are trying to change laws to protect animals – which I think is amazing.”

Animals Matter To Brian May

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Queen guitarist Brian May is supporting an animal welfare petition and asking his fans to do the same.

The rocker’s official blog recently featured a post calling attention to the World Society for the Protection of Animals’ (WSPA) Animals Matter To Me campaign.

“Animals Matter To Me represents the biggest ever global animal welfare initiative, linking the entire animal welfare movement with ONE STRATEGIC GOAL: global recognition that animals are sentient beings, capable of feeling pain and suffering,” reads the blog. “PLEASE sign this petition. The scale of suffering for animals in the world today is unprecedented: Around 60 billion farm animals are used each year globally to produce meat, milk and eggs. The majority are raised in industrial farming systems where their welfare needs are not met. Globally, there are some 600 million dogs, and a similar number of cats, of which an estimated 80% are stray or unwanted. The illegal and often inhumane trade in wildlife and wildlife parts is a soaring black market worth $10 billion a year, exceeded only by arms and drug smuggling. Millions of wild animals are killed, captured or traded inhumanely in this shady business. An estimated 80% of power input on farms in developing countries is supplied by draught animals, however the resources made available are often woefully inadequate, leading to significant welfare issues. Animals are also affected on a huge scale by natural disasters, though seldom considered.”

Eliska Sursova: Saving stolen animals in Southern Africa

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:12:17 +0000

In the midst of a rumored break-up with boyfriend and Australian footballer Chris Knights, 19-year-old model-esque actress Eliska Sursova appears to be holding down the fort the way all Hollywood’s finest activists do – by going to Namibia to save the elephants of course.

Taking some time off from her busy schedule and after wraping up filming on her first Public Service Announcment for Greenpeace alongside actor Milo Ventimiglia, Eliska travelled to southern Africa with fifteen members of a non-profit organization to protest the poaching of exotic animals in the Republic of Namibia and spoke out against the exotic animal trade, all while helping to build much needed water holds for African elephants.

“Africa is home to some of the world’s most beautiful creatures and their biggest predator is man. We steal them, abuse them, kill them… all for the benefit of entertainment and luxury,” says the actress whose busy activist schedule sees her campaigning for animal welfare and environmental organizations like World Society for the Protection of Animals, Wildlife Warriors Worldwide and PETA.