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.”
Every year, more than 55,000 people around the world die from rabies. In response, nearly 20 million dogs are needlessly and cruelly killed (in “culls”) in misguided attempts to control the disease.
Today, the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and international star Leona Lewis are calling for “Collars Not Cruelty” and asking all governments to tackle rabies through the only humane and effective solution: mass vaccination of dogs.
“Rabies poses a serious threat to both human and animal populations,” said Ray Mitchell, International Campaigns Director, WSPA. “But, with successful rabies control projects in countries across Asia and Latin America, WSPA has proven time and time again that a world without rabies is not a world without dogs.”
Leona has recorded a video in support of “Collars Not Cruelty,” which can be viewed here.
